Issues

Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse Youth

About This Issue

Youth who are Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse (TNGD) face unique challenges when they become involved in the juvenile court system.

On this page, we're compiling information and resources to assist youth defenders and advocates navigate these complicated and shifting challenges. You must be logged in as a registered youth defender to access some of the resources on this page. Please log in or register for an account.

We also have an Issue page dedicated to more general resources about LGTBQ+ youth.

If you have motions, briefs, or other resources that could be helpful to other youth defenders and advocates, please send them to us at inquiries@defendyouthrights.org.

This is a sample of resources related to this issue. To see a fully searchable and filterable list of all resources on this issue or any other issue, please visit our Resource Library.

Resources

Addressing the Mental Health Needs of LGBTQ Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Advancing Transgender Justice: Illuminating Trans Lives Behind and Beyond Bars

Advocacy Talking Points for Transgender Youth

Alishea Kingdom v. Donald J. Trump, 2025 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 105237 (D.C. Cir. 2025)

American Academy of Pediatrics Statement Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents

Brief of Amici Curiae InterACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, et al. in Support of Employees in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia

Brief of Amici Curiae Medical, Public Health, & Mental Health Organizations in Support of Gavin Grimm

Brief of Amici Curiae of Williams Institute Scholars in Support of Petitioner and Respondents in Support of Petitioner

Brief of Amici Curiae the National PTA, GLSEN, Am. Sch. Counselor Ass’n, and Nat’l Assoc. of Sch. Psychologists in Support of Gavin Grimm

Brief of Amici Curiae The Trevor Project in Support of Gavin Grimm

Brief of The Trevor Project, Juvenile Law Center, and National Center for Youth Law as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioner and Respondents in Support of Petitioner

Expanding the Idea and Practice of Gender Responsive Programs for Contra Costa Juvenile Probation

Framing Guidance How to Communicate about Transgender Youth

Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

How Trans Friendly is the Driver’s License Gender Marker Change Policy in Your State?

Juvenile Facilities Checklist for Defenders: Advocating for the Safety and Well-Being of Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Intersex Young People

Matter of Cody VV., 205 N.Y.S. 3d 772 (N.Y. App. Div. 2024)

Medicaid Act Protections for Gender-Affirming Care

Practice Advisory: Considerations in Asylum Claims for Transgender People

Practice Advisory: Considerations in Asylum Claims for Transgender People

PREA Model Policy: Transgender, Gender Nonconforming, and Intersex Youth in Confinement Facilities

Reporting  Law Enforcement Abuse

Safe Havens II Interactive Report

Safe Havens: Closing the Gap Between Recommended Practice and Reality for Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth in Out-of-Home Care

Sample Letter to DCFS Requesting Release of Transgender Young Person

Sample Motion to Correct Name on Docket 

Sample Motion Using Correct Name with Explanatory Footnote 

Stories & Numbers: Promoting School Safety for LGBTQ and All Students

Talbott v. United States, U.S. Dist. LEXIS 49245 (2025)

Template Motion Re: Court’s Usage of Correct Pronouns for Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming Youth 

The Grapevine – A Southern Trans Report

Transgender Students, Fairness, and the Protection of Female School Sports

Your Truth Your Rights

 Chosen Name Use is Linked to Reduced Depressive Symptoms, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicidal Behavior Among Transgender Youth

 Grimm v. Gloucester Cty. Sch. Bd., 972 F.3d 586 (2020)

 Mental Health of Transgender Children Who Are Supported in Their Identities