Building Family Understanding Toward Gender Diverse Youth in Secondary Schools in Uttaradit Province Through Participatory Art

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the understanding between families and gender-diverse youth and 2) develop a participatory art-based process to enhance mutual understanding between families and gender-diverse youth. This study employed a qualitative action research design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, the Gender Unicorn tool, and brainstorming sessions with 20 participants comprising gender-diverse youth and their parents. The data were analyzed using content analysis and narrative interpretation, supported by descriptive statistics.

The findings revealed that: 1) Families demonstrated an improved understanding of gender-diverse youth through dialogue, open-mindedness, and time spent together, which helped reduce conflict and foster acceptance within the family. 2) The participatory art process enabled youth to express their identities through various artworks reflecting themes of friendship, love, empathy, and gender expression. These artworks were categorized into four gender role groups: Masculine, Feminine, Androgyny, and Undifferentiated. Families who participated in the process showed greater understanding in key aspects, particularly in gender expression, romantic and sexual interest, and family relationships. This was evident through their positive responses to the artworks, increased openness, and constructive communication with their children.