Due to societal experiences of stigma and discrimination, transgender and gender variant (GV) youth are at an increased risk for poor health and academic results. We identified characteristics predicted to be protective for transgender/GV youth across all four levels of Bronfenbrenner's socioecological model to enhance the expanding knowledge on health risks faced by these youth (individual, relationship, community, societal). Transgender/GV youth ranged in age from toddler to adult, were racially/ethnically diverse, and had a variety of gender identities. Across several research, self-esteem on an individual level, healthy connections with parents and peers on a relational level, and gay-straight alliances on a community level appeared as protective variables. The dearth of study on transgender/GV kids and protective variables is highlighted by our findings. To validate these protective links and identify others, new recruitment tactics for transgender/GV youth are needed, as well as better measurement of transgender identities. Growth in these areas will help to establish a body of evidence that can be used to guide interventions.
