Psychology
An Exploratory study of custody challenges experienced by affirming mothers of transgender and gender-nonconforming children
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Family courts have lacked familiarity with evidence-based recommendations regarding the best interests of transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) children, resulting in some affirming parents losing physical and/or legal custody. This exploratory, qualitative study with 10 affirming mothers of TGNC children who had experienced custody-related challenges reported on salient themes, including “blame” for causing children's gender nonconformity, coercion by ex-partners, bias in the courts, negative impact on children, emotional and financial toll on participants, and the critical importance of adequate resources. Findings indicate the need for better-educated family court professionals, as well as socioemotional support and financial and legal assistance for affirming parents of TGNC children.
Publication Title
Family Court Review
Publication Date
2019
Volume
57
Issue
1
First Page
54
Last Page
71
ISSN
1531-2445
DOI
10.1111/fcre.12387
Keywords
best interest, custody, disnormativity, divorce, family court, transgender child, transphobia
Repository Citation
Kuvalanka, Katherine A.; Bellis, Camellia; Goldberg, Abbie E.; and McGuire, Jenifer K., "An Exploratory study of custody challenges experienced by affirming mothers of transgender and gender-nonconforming children" (2019). Psychology. 334.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/334