(Q30317)
Statements
Transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming (herein, "TGNC") youth (15-24 years old) face overlapping minority stressors (e.g., gender discrimination, lack of access to gender-affirming care, rejection, violence) that contribute to mental health inequities. (English)
BACKGROUND (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
TGNC youth also use substances at higher rates when compared to cisgender youth, including some of the highest rates of cannabis use in Canada. (English)
BACKGROUND (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
This community-based participatory research study provides an in-depth qualitative, photovoice-based analysis examining how cannabis use features within the gender experiences of a sample of TGNC youth in British Columbia (BC). (English)
METHODS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 27 TGNC youth (15-24 years old) from across British Columbia. (English)
METHODS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
Interviews were designed to elicit discussions about the photos youth had taken as well as various gender and mental health experiences related to their cannabis use. (English)
METHODS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
Analysis and identification of emergent themes was guided by social constructivist grounded theory as well as queer and trans theorizing and informed by community-based research approaches through regular meetings with our team's Substance Use Beyond the Binary Youth Action Committee comprised of TGNC youth who use substances. (English)
METHODS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
Three overarching themes pertaining to cannabis use and gender experiences amongst TGNC youth in our study were generated. (English)
RESULTS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
First, participants used cannabis purposefully and strategically to enact diverse gender expressions and embodiments. (English)
RESULTS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
Second, participants leveraged cannabis to support introspection whilst mobilizing identity discovery and development. (English)
RESULTS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
Finally, participants mobilized cannabis as a vehicle for accessing moments of gender euphoria and affirmation. (English)
RESULTS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
These findings identify how some TGNC youth use cannabis to purposefully and strategically facilitate their mental health, well-being, identity development and self-expression. (English)
CONCLUSIONS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
This research reveals critically important experiential and embodied dimensions of cannabis use that have not historically been considered in cannabis-related policy and the provision of care, including mental health and substance use-related care. (English)
CONCLUSIONS (English)
Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V. (English)
2024
Christian (English)
Barborini (English)
C
Trevor (English)
Goodyear (English)
T
Hannah (English)
Kia (English)
H
Mark (English)
Gilbert (English)
M
Olivier (English)
Ferlatte (English)
O
Rod (English)
Knight (English)
R
6 November 2024
12 September 2024
Declaration of competing interest We declare no conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. (English)