Existing Outside the Gender Binary: Untangling the Relationship between Homelessness and Coping Strategies for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth

Abstract

Although LGBTQ2S+ populations experience disproportionate levels of victimization, discrimination, and homelessness, criminological research has rarely examined the pathways linking these adversities to illicit or other maladaptive coping mechanisms. Limited existing literature tends to apply general strain theory (GST) to “sexual minority” or “LGBQ” youth, failing to meaningfully incorporate transgender and gender diverse identities into the analyses. Moreover, it is often restricted to quantitative data utilizing school-based samples to explore singular strains such as victimization. The present project addresses these gaps by employing an integrated framework that incorporates GST and theories of social support and social control to qualitatively explore the strains and coping mechanisms of unhoused transgender and gender diverse youth. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 18 participants across Southern Ontario, the research explores how “non-normative” gender identities shape experiences at home, in school, and while unhoused. Findings demonstrate the utility of GST for understanding how intersecting strains – such as familial rejection, child welfare involvement, and identity-based discrimination – shape homelessness and coping behaviours adopted. While many participants reported family conflict and instability, pathways into homelessness were complex and not always directly tied to gender identity. Furthermore, once unhoused, youth faced additional strains including discrimination, victimization, fear of victimization, and financial hardship. Contrary to theoretical expectations, and the broader research on youth homelessness, participants reported minimal illicit activity. Instead, they often relied on legal subsistence strategies and supports. Beyond marijuana use and self-harm, other maladaptive coping mechanisms were also relatively limited. Social support outside familial ties (e.g., chosen family, online networks) and inclusive services acted as buffers against strain, and promoted more adaptive coping behaviours. Specifically, access to gender-affirming care and inclusive housing supports reduced the utilization of self-harming behaviours. Conversely, prolonged periods of homelessness and missing supportive ties increased the likelihood of illicit coping. By extending GST to account for gender identity beyond the gender binary, this study contextualized strain-coping processes unique to trans and gender diverse youth, offering further support for the theory’s utility and contribution to Queer Criminology. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, as well as limitations and directions for future research.