Young Black trans and gender-diverse activists' well-being among anti-Black racism and cissexism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Research has documented the negative mental health outcomes that anti-Black racism and cissexism, respectively, have had on Black and trans and gender-diverse (TGD) people during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research, however, has yet to explore the intersectional experiences of Black TGD young adults. Additionally, research has found that activists are often exposed to violence and discrimination. In this study, we aimed to understand how the intersection of anti-Black racism and cissexism has impacted young Black TGD activists' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. A community sample of 15 Black TGD young adults participated in semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed five themes and 14 subthemes, including (a) witnessing and experiencing violence (everyday violence, political violence, police violence, and medical violence, (b) motivating and sparking activism, (c) emotional impact (fear and anxiety, symptoms of depression, anger and frustration, and overwhelmed and shocked), (d) coping with violence and COVID-19 pandemic (activism, community connections and support, setting boundaries, self-reflection, positivity and hope, and activities and hobbies), and (e) safety precautions. We provide implications for practitioners working with young Black TGD activists such as engaging in civil disobedience within the bounds of their ethical duties. Public Significance StatementLittle is known about the intersectional experiences of young Black TGD activists and the impact of anti-Black racism and cissexism on the well-being of this community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study explores the impact that anti-Black racism and cissexism have had in a community sample of 15 young Black TGD activists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How the COVID‐19 global pandemic further jeopardized women's health, mental well‐being, and safety: Intersectionality framework and social policy action

“…Importantly, trans identities may also intersect with other marginalized identities, magnifying both the barriers to health care access and the potential for health care biases. Black trans and gender‐queer people have multiple obstacles in health care, from doctors’ racism and transphobia to being unable to connect with a support group of their gender (Sostre et al., 2023).…”

“I’m Going to be Visible Because… That’s What’s Gonna Help Other People Like Me”: Young Black Trans and Gender Diverse People’s Experiences in Activism Work

“…Due to the depth of these interviews and the impact activism and activism spaces have on this community, the authors found it important to write one manuscript specifically focusing on Black TGD people's experiences in activism and its impact. A previous manuscript focusing specifically on how the experiences of Black TGD young people during the COVID-19 pandemic with anti-Black and trans-specific violence impacted their well-being, including forms of coping, is currently in press (see Sostre et al, 2023). The previous manuscript explores and focuses on participant's broad experiences with violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the current manuscript explores participant's experiences with activism more broadly.…”

“…Additionally, researchers show that young TGD individuals experience disproportionately high rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts (Connolly et al, 2016). Although there is paucity of research about the impact of intersectional oppression on young Black TGD people's mental health, a recent study showed that experiencing or witnessing violence and discrimination not only impacted Black TGD young adults' mental health outcomes (e.g., symptoms of anxiety and depression), but also motivated them to engage in activism (Sostre et al, 2023).…”