Risks of Misgendering Transgender Youth

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Support from family, peers, and communities is crucial for the well-being of transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. Affirming their gender identity and using chosen names can reduce suicide and self-harm risks. Multiple studies have shown that using a transgender youth’s chosen name in various settings reduces suicidal behavior by more than 50%, and socially transitioned transgender youth have depression levels similar to the general population. While research on transgender youth is limited, existing evidence highlights the significance of accepting their identities for positive outcomes, while misnaming and denying their identity can have harmful consequences.