Background: The security measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 emergency have caused complex consequences. The aim of the present study is to examine the repercussions of the pandemic on individuals belonging to gender identity minority groups, who have experienced heightened levels of stress in comparison to the general population. Methods: Online interviews with 12 transgender participants who resided in Italy during the pandemic were conducted and subsequently analyzed following the thematic analysis methodology. Results: The majority of the participants reported an increase in stress levels primarily attributed to the lack of acceptance and support within their familial environments, obstacles encountered in accessing specialized healthcare services, and a lack of support from the broader LGBTQ+ community. Despite these challenges, several participants developed effective coping strategies and a subset of them also benefited from multiple resilience factors, including familial support and assistance from mental health professionals. Conclusions: The outcomes of the present study indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic, while fostering certain protective factors within this population, has also given rise to new and critical mental health concerns. These findings hold significant implications for professionals working with transgender populations, highlighting the necessity of addressing these emerging mental health issues.

By simultaneously examining minority‐related stressors and general stressors experienced by the whole population, the study's aim was to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the health and well‐being of LGBTQ+ young adults in Sweden during the Covid‐19 pandemic. This study explored differences in mental health and quality of life between subgroups of young LGBTQ+ adults. Further, it explored how distal and proximal minority stressors, as well as stress related to the Covid‐19 pandemic, and family support were associated with mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and quality of life) using linear regression analyses in a sample of 245 young LGBTQ+ Swedish individuals. The results showed increased mental distress in transgender and nonbinary (TNB) young adults and that minority stress influences health in LGBTQ+ young adults above and beyond the general stress of living through a pandemic. Nevertheless, different predictors were significant for different outcomes. For all outcomes, family support was highlighted as an important protective factor for LGBTQ+ young adults. Findings support the minority stress model and highlight the need for interventions aimed at reducing minority stress as well as tailored support and resources for TNB individuals during times of general high stressor load. This may include support aimed at their close families.

Gender incongruence increasingly leads individuals to seek gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgeries. In Italy, however, general healthcare services often lack the specialization needed to address the specific needs. With a person-centered approach and a qualitative methodology, this study explores individual perspectives on promoting transgender and gender diverse people’s well-being and highlights the relationship between gender incongruence, psychosocial health, and healthcare access. Seventeen participants aged 19–31 years old who experienced gender incongruence or gender dysphoria and sought medical or psychological support for hormone therapy attended a semi-structured interview processed through Thematic Analysis. Findings revealed significant barriers to adequate healthcare and social support, negatively impacting participants’ well-being. Mediating factors such as peer awareness, family acceptance, and inclusive education emerged as protective. The study also discusses broader societal consequences of insufficient support and presents useful strategies to develop affirmative and inclusive practices aimed at improving access to care and psychosocial outcomes.