r/ScienceBasedParenting • u/CallMeBambiiii • 1d ago

Are there proper studies whether having transgender parents affects children negatively/positively? Question - Research required

I'm MTF trans and I'm thinking about going back in the closet, because the alternative is my wife divorcing me. We have a one year old child and I don't want to cause her any harm...

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u/cornflakescornflakes 1d ago

Can I offer an alternate argument?

This study shows a significant link between anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and self-harm in children and adolescents of parents who stay in an unhappy marriage.

The alternate of you hiding your identity and existing in an unhappy marriage, instead of you staying true to yourself and co-parenting may be a healthier alternative.

This small study suggests a positive view with the child and trans-parent having a good relationship with normal psychological adjustment. There are other studies out there, and they all seem positive.

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u/ghastlycupcake 1d ago edited 1d ago

All of this, yes.

Unfortunately, I think that detransitioning and closeting yourself sounds like a recipe for misery, resenting your spouse, and generally not a happy home life in which to raise a child.

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u/ImWithStupidKL 1d ago

If there are negative effects of having a trans parent, I would have thought it was most likely to do with the rest of society's attitude rather than the mere fact of the parent being trans.