“A center for trans women where they help you”: Resource needs of the immigrant Latinx transgender community

Kirsten A. Gonzalez, Roberto L. Abreu, Cristalís Capielo Rosario, Jasmine M. Koech, Gabriel M. Lockett, Louis Lindley

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    16 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Background: Immigrant Latinx transgender people often migrate to the United States because of a desire for increased safety and more opportunities. However, after migrating to the United States, immigrant Latinx transgender people often struggle to access basic needs, including health care, jobs, and stable finances. These struggles are exacerbated for undocumented immigrant Latinx transgender people. There is a gap in the literature regarding needed resources for immigrant Latinx transgender community members living in the United States. Aims: Utilizing a critical intersectionality framework, the aim of the present study was to investigate the resource needs of immigrant Latinx transgender community members living in the United States. Methods: A community sample of 18 immigrant Latinx transgender people living in a large metropolitan city in Florida participated in individual semi-structured interviews to explore their community resource needs. Results: Thematic analysis revealed five themes related to resources that participants needed including: 1) Transgender healthcare/resources, 2) Public education, 3) Financial aid resources, 4) Homelessness resources, and 5) Addictions care. Two resource need-related themes were identified that pertain specifically to undocumented immigrant Latinx transgender people, including: 1) Documentation papers for access, and 2) Legal aid. Conclusions: Findings suggest that immigrant Latinx transgender community members in this study provided guidance about broad resources needed to enhance their wellness and safety, and promote liberation of community members. Participants’ resource needs suggest the importance of policy and structural level changes from institutions with power that consider and enhance the wellness of immigrant Latinx transgender people. Findings also suggest the need for more tailored interventions and case work to better support immigrant Latinx transgender people.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)60-78
    Number of pages19
    JournalInternational Journal of Transgender Health
    Volume23
    Issue number1-2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2022

    Keywords

    • Latinx transgender people
    • intersectionality
    • resources
    • thematic analysis
    • undocumented immigrant

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Gender Studies
    • Health(social science)
    • Medicine (miscellaneous)
    • Health Policy

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