Showing papers in "International Journal of Transgenderism in 2019"
TL;DR: The roles of sexual abuse, other abuse and discrimination in contributing to increased rates of mental illness and self-harm in non-binary and binary transgender individuals, particularly those who were assigned female at birth, relative to those assigned male, require investigation.
Abstract: Background: Little research has compared the mental health and victimization experiences of non-binary youth depending on their sex assigned at birth (SAAB), or compared these two groups with bina...
133 citations
TL;DR: Non-binary identifying treatment seeking transgender youth are at increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem compared to binary transgender youth.
Abstract: Background: Previous research has consistently reported high rates of mental health symptomatology and lower social support in young treatment seeking transgender individuals. However, these studie...
89 citations
TL;DR: Consistent evidence is found that self-identifying as with either being “religious” or as Christian (and to a lesser extent, being Muslim) was associated with increased transprejudice relative to being nonreligious ( and to a greater extent,being Jewish).
Abstract: Background: Prejudice against transgender people is widespread, yet in spite of the prevalence of this negativity relatively little is known about the antecedents and predictors of these attitudes. One factor that is commonly related to prejudice is religion, and this is especially true for prejudice targets that are considered to be "value violating" (as is the case for transgender individuals). Method: In this paper, we present the findings of our systematic search of the literature on this topic and present the synthesized evidence. Our search strategy was conducted across five databases and yielded 29 studies (across 28 articles). Results: We found consistent evidence that self-identifying as with either being "religious" or as Christian (and to a lesser extent, being Muslim) was associated with increased transprejudice relative to being nonreligious (and to a lesser extent, being Jewish). Additionally, we found consistent evidence that certain forms of religiosity were also related to transprejudice - specifically religious fundamentalism, church attendance, and interpretations of the bible as literal (transprejudice was unrelated to religious education). Conclusion: Although this young, but important field of research is growing, more empirical exploration is needed to fully understand that nuances of the religion-transprejudice relationship.
87 citations
TL;DR: It is crucial that professional and lay communities alike begin to take two steps moving forward: 1) explicitly acknowledge the existence of non-binary TGNC identities and 2) work to achieve fluency regarding the unique needs and experiences of this population.
Abstract: Background: Emerging research and colloquial dialogues increasingly point to an uptick in non-binary gender identity endorsement, however research has failed to parallel this increase. For example, existing literature often conflates gender identity with sexual orientation, lumping TGNC people under the LGBTQ umbrella, thus rendering the "T" silent in the process. Further, extant research adheres to a binary (i.e., dichotomous male/female) conceptualization of gender, thus excluding individuals who identify as genderqueer, gender non-conforming, or otherwise non-binary as well as those who do not identify with the construct of gender at all (e.g., agender). Method: This qualitative investigation utilized individual interviews with 15 TGNC adults. Data analysis employed two data-driven phases, first identifying themes consistent across the 15 transcripts to identify nuances in TGNC identity formation often missed by theory-driven models and second, establishing similarities and differences between binary and non-binary narratives. Results: Results indicated that various helpful and challenging factors played a stronger role than chronology, physical transition, or activism across all participants which contrasts findings in extant literature. Further, while binary and non-binary narratives were similar in many regards, several noteworthy distinctions emerged. For example, the concepts of "passing or blending", intersections of gender identity with sexual orientation, and navigating identity presentation and disclosure were described differently for binary and non-binary participants. Conclusions: Historically, the "T" in "LGBTQ" has often been rendered silent. These results indicate that non-binary narratives have been rendered doubly silent. Given the increasing preponderance of non-binary identifications and the unique needs and experiences of non-binary participants, it is crucial that professional and lay communities alike begin to take two steps moving forward: 1) explicitly acknowledge the existence of non-binary TGNC identities and 2) work to achieve fluency regarding the unique needs and experiences of this population.
78 citations
TL;DR: Gender diverse is emerging as a new term which has the aim of including all other terms outside of male and female within it and this article suggests the increase in its use to describe gender identities outside of the binary.
Abstract: Background: Recently, a multitude of terms have emerged, especially within North America and Western Europe, which describe identities that are not experienced within the culturally accepte...
62 citations
TL;DR: This study highlights genderqueer identities as a source of strength and positivity, and the importance of expanding beyond the hegemonic gender binary within research and clinical practice.
Abstract: Background and Aims: Increasingly, research is emerging on the subjective experience of genderqueer people. This study explored how genderqueer identities are understood and managed in both personal and social domains. Method: Interview data from 25 genderqueer-identified American adolescents and emerging adults, aged 15 to 26 (M = 21.28, SD = 3.20), were pulled from a larger study of 90 transgender and genderqueer participants. The 90-minute semi-structured interviews included questions about gender identity, the developmental pathway of participants, and relationships with others regarding gender. Results: Participants described "genderqueer" as a sufficiently broad category to capture their diverse experiences, and descriptions of genderqueer identities were heterogeneous, directly contradicting binary understandings of gender identity. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts resulted in three themes: intrapsychic experience, descriptions of master narratives about gender identity, and the co-construction of identities. Discussion: Participants described navigating a series of master and alternative narratives, such that all transgender people transgress a cisnormative master narrative, but genderqueer people further transgress normative understandings of a medicalized, binary transgender identity. The experience of co-creating identities was the process by which participants actively navigated constraints of the master narrative experience. Participants described the integral role of language in crafting new narratives to legitimize genderqueer experiences, as well as the subsequent intragroup conflict resulting from conflicting relationships to narratives in the transgender community. This study highlights genderqueer identities as a source of strength and positivity, and the importance of expanding beyond the hegemonic gender binary within research and clinical practice.
57 citations
TL;DR: The existence of gender variance is widely documented both historically and cross-culturally (Herdt, 1994; Matsuno & Budge, 2017) and the term “genderqueer” emerged in the 1990s.
Abstract: The existence of gender variance is widely documented both historically and cross-culturally (Herdt, 1994; Matsuno & Budge, 2017). The term “genderqueer” emerged in the 1990s (see Whittle, 1996). I...
51 citations
TL;DR: Transgender health services need to be more inclusive of nonbinary transgender people and their support and treatment needs, which may differ from those who identify within the binary gender system.
Abstract: Background: Binary transgender people access gender affirming medical interventions to alleviate gender incongruence and increase body satisfaction. Despite the increase in nonbinary transgender people, this population are less likely to access transgender health services compared to binary transgender people. No research has yet understood why by exploring levels of gender congruence and body satisfaction in nonbinary transgender people. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare levels of gender congruence and body satisfaction in nonbinary transgender people to controls [binary transgender people and cisgender (nontrans) people]. Method: In total, 526 people from a community sample in the UK took part in the study (97 nonbinary, 91 binary, and 338 cisgender identifying people). Participants were asked to complete an online survey about gender congruence and body satisfaction. Results: There were differences in gender congruence and body satisfaction between nonbinary and binary transgender people. On sex-specific parts of the body (i.e., chest, genitalia, and secondary sex characteristics), nonbinary transgender people reported significantly higher levels of gender and body satisfaction compared to binary transgender people. However, there was no difference in congruence and satisfaction with social gender role between the two transgender groups (nonbinary and binary). Cisgender people reported significantly higher levels of gender congruence and body satisfaction compared to transgender people (nonbinary and binary). Conclusions: There are differences in gender congruence and body satisfaction between nonbinary and binary transgender people. Nonbinary individuals may be less likely to access transgender health services due to experiencing less gender incongruence and more body satisfaction compared to binary transgender people. Transgender health services need to be more inclusive of nonbinary transgender people and their support and treatment needs, which may differ from those who identify within the binary gender system.
47 citations
TL;DR: This article argues that negative social responses to genderqueerness stem not only from overt prejudice in the form of transphobia but from binary genderism, the conviction that there are only two genders.
Abstract: Background: Alongside the growth in visibility of gender identities and presentations such as genderqueer, non-binary and gender neutral, there is ridicule and backlash in wider culture, as well as more subtle invisibility and misgendering. While there exists social psychology research about negative and positive attitudes to trans people, this is restricted to those whose gender identity is at odds with their sex assigned at birth, and who identify with binary gender. Social psychology has extended to the more subtle workings of transphobia, but there is little consideration of the distinctiveness of attitudes and responses to those whose genders cannot be attributed in binary ways, and thus how these may be challenged. Methods: In keeping with the methods of social theory, this article brings together a diverse and complementary range of conceptual fields in new ways to diagnose a novel cause and solution to these negative attitudes. Using queer theory, feminist ethics, and empirical studies in post-tolerance sociology and social psychology, it argues that negative social responses to genderqueerness stem not only from overt prejudice in the form of transphobia but from binary genderism, the conviction that there are only two genders. Results and conclusion: This article proposes fostering greater diversity-literacy and empathy for difference as a more effective approach than minority identity-based 'prejudice reduction' approaches. A norm-critical approach to deconstructing gender norms is proposed, thus fostering positive attitudes to genderqueerness. It is therefore demonstrated how best to foster enabling social contexts for genderqueerness, with positive implications for the physical and social health and wellbeing of gender variant people. This approach can be applied in organizations, institutions, and by service providers who interact with genderqueer individuals, in that it can inform a shift to approaching diversity positively in ways that are not restricted to pre-determined and binary identity categories.
44 citations
TL;DR: Overall health and well-being of GQNB people with controls of trans men and trans women is compared, taking into account the impact of the additive effect of their socio-economic position, as well as their current need for gender affirming medical interventions.
Abstract: Background: Genderqueer and nonbinary () people have remained largely invisible in health research. Previous research shows worse outcomes on health indicators for trans people when compared with cisgender controls, but the differences between binary trans and GQNB individuals are inconclusive. Aims: To compare overall health and well-being of GQNB people with controls of trans men and trans women, taking into account the impact of the additive effect of their socio-economic position, as well as their current need for gender affirming medical interventions. Methods: A community-driven survey was conducted in 2016 in five countries (Georgia, Poland, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden). Self-reported health and general well-being were analysed for differences between binary trans and GQNB respondents. The effects of multiple control variables (age, economic situation, educational level, belonging to an ethnic, religious, sexual or ability minority group, sex assigned at birth) as well as the current need for gender affirming medical interventions were controlled for. Results: The sample consisted of 853 respondents aged 16 and older, with 254 trans women (29.8%), 369 trans men (43.2%), and 230 GQNB people (26%). GQNB respondents showed significantly worse self-reported health and worse general well-being in comparison to binary trans respondents. Additional negative impacts of having a lower educational level, having more economic stress, and belonging to a disability minority group were found. Being in need of gender affirming medical interventions contributed significantly to worse self-reported health, whereas being younger contributed to worse general well-being. Discussion: In understanding health disparities between binary trans and GQNB people, it is necessary to take into account the additive effect of multiple socio-economic positions, and the current need for gender affirming medical interventions. The high proportion of GQNB respondents who report worse health outcomes highlights the need for policy makers and health-care providers in creating nonbinary-inclusive environments.
43 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that trans youth and gender diverse children are benefiting from medical gender-affirming care they receive at specialty clinics, providing valuable insight into their decision-making processes in seeking care and specific interventions.
Abstract: Background: Canadian specialty clinics offering gender-affirming care to trans and gender diverse children and youth have observed a significant increase in referrals in recent years, but there is ...
TL;DR: The Gender Congruence and Life Satisfaction Scale is a suitable tool to use with the transgender population to measure health-related outcomes for both clinical and research purposes.
Abstract: Background: It is vital that the treatment offered at transgender health services can be evaluated to ensure a high quality of care. However, the tools currently used to evaluate treatment at transgender health services are limited by mainly focusing on mental health or because they have been developed for binary transgender people only. This study therefore aimed to develop and validate a tool that addresses these limitations. The Gender Congruence and Life Satisfaction Scale (GCLS) was developed through reviewing the literature, conducting interviews with transgender people, and holding discussions with experts working in transgender healthcare. An initial pool of items was developed and feedback on these was obtained. The tool was then validated.
Method: For the validation of the tool a total of 789 participants (451 transgender [171 transgender females, 147 transgender males, 133 people identifying as non-binary], and 338 cisgender [254 females, 84 males]) were recruited from the United Kingdom to test the factor structure and validity of the GCLS.
Results: Exploratory factor analysis retained 38 items which formed seven subscales (psychological functioning; genitalia; social gender role recognition; physical and emotional intimacy; chest; other secondary sex characteristics; and life satisfaction). These seven subscales were found to have good internal consistency and convergent validity. The GCLS was also found to be capable of discriminating between groups (e.g., people who have and have not undergone gender affirming medical interventions). Transgender and cisgender subscale norms are provided for the GCLS.
Conclusion: The GCLS is a suitable tool to use with the transgender population to measure health-related outcomes for both clinical and research purposes.
TL;DR: Mental health problems and poor quality of life are likely to have social causes and hence legislative measures and broader government-led inclusive directives should be put in place to recognize and to validate non-binary identifying people.
Abstract: Background: The social challenges that non-binary people experience, due in part to social intolerance and the lack of validation of non-binary gender identities, may affect the mental health and quality of life of this population. However, studies that have distinguished between non-binary and binary transgender identities are lacking. Aim: To compare the mental health and quality of life of a community sample of non-binary transgender adults with controls (binary transgender people and cisgender people) matched on sex assigned at birth. Method: A total of 526 participants were included. Ninety-seven were classified as non-binary and were compared with two control groups: 91 people classified as binary and 338 cisgender people. Only transgender people not on gender affirming hormone treatment or who had not undergone gender affirming surgery were included. Participants were invited to complete an online survey that included mental health and quality of life measures. Results: Non-binary people reported significantly better mental health than binary transgender people, but worse than cisgender people. Overall, there were no significant differences in quality of life between non-binary and binary transgender participants assigned male at birth and transgender females, but non-binary assigned males at birth had better scores on the psychological and social domains of quality of life than transgender males. Quality of life was better across all domains in cisgender people than transgender groups. Conclusion: There is an inequality with regard to mental health and quality of life between non-binary (and binary) transgender people and the cisgender population that needs to be addressed. The better mental health scores in non-binary people may reflect lower levels of body dissatisfaction among the non-binary population. Mental health problems and poor quality of life are likely to have social causes and hence legislative measures and broader government-led inclusive directives should be put in place to recognize and to validate non-binary identifying people.
TL;DR: The GQI subscales were appropriate across a spectrum of gender identities and can be taken in the same form over time and across gender transition statuses, making them suitable for clinical evaluation and community based longitudinal research with trans-identified or gender nonconforming persons.
Abstract: Background: Non-binary gender measurement has grown out of a need for accurate representation in scholarship and public health services available to a diverse gender population. Aims: The Genderqueer Identity Scale (GQI) was developed to allow for a multidimensional assessment of genderqueer identity, including non-binary identity, socially constructed versus essentialist gender, theoretical awareness of gender concepts, and gender fluidity. The GQI was designed to assess gender identity across a full spectrum of gender, at any age after mid-adolescence, and at various stages of gender identity development, including prior to, during, and after a gender transition, where applicable. Two of the GQI subscales focus on intrapersonal processes, while two focus on interpersonal processes. Methods: The measure was piloted and refined across four distinct samples: a U.S. university based LGBT sample, consecutive clinical referrals at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a Dutch LGB community sample, and an online survey forum (LGBTQ). Results: The first exploratory factor analysis identified minor potential adjustments, which were refined and retested. Researchers evaluated and cross-validated the hypothesized factor structure and determined that the three factor GQI subscales and the unidimensional Gender Fluidity measure yielded internally consistent and valid scores among transgender individuals seeking clinical treatment and LGB individuals within a community setting. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses provide evidence of good reliability, construct validity, and internal consistency of all four subscales. Discussion: The subscales were appropriate across a spectrum of gender identities and can be taken in the same form over time and across gender transition statuses, making them suitable for clinical evaluation and community based longitudinal research with trans-identified or gender nonconforming persons. The development of the GQI fills critical gaps in gender-related measurement including the ability to assess multiple dimensions of gender identity, and to assess gender identity across time.
TL;DR: The field of gender affirming medical interventions now rests on over one hundred years of modern medical history, with the ‘masculinisation surgery’ of Herman Karl recorded in 1882, which has a legacy of enforcement of the gender binary.
Abstract: The field of gender affirming medical interventions now rests on over one hundred years of modern medical history, with the ‘masculinisation surgery’ (and subsequent legal recognition as male by th...
TL;DR: This special issue consists of more than double the amount of contributions than a decade ago, and concerns the area of nonbinary and genderqueer transgender health, and uses the adjective nonbinary in this editorial to refer to people who identify between, outside and beyond the gender binary.
Abstract: It is exactly a decade ago that Sexual and Relationship Therapy published a special issue entitled “Gender Variance and Transgender Identity”, which was guest edited by Walter Bockting, former Edit...
TL;DR: Understanding how microaffirmations operate to complicate binary notions of gender/sex and positively influence nonbinary transgender individuals in interpersonal relationships is focused on.
Abstract: Background: Transgender microaffirmations are subtle endorsements of a person’s gender identity through both verbal acknowledgements and behavioral gestures. Microaffirmations positively impact ind...
TL;DR: As non-binary individuals are increasingly presenting at UK gender identity clinics and requesting medical interventions, the aim of this study was to better understand their experiences and needs.
Abstract: Background: Despite an increased awareness of non-binary identity in the current social landscape, the experiences and needs of this heterogeneous community are poorly understood and represented in...
TL;DR: This literature review is the first to critically evaluate and summarize all published studies which adopted a family understanding of youth gender diversity, and highlighted a lack of current research and the need for further targeted research, which utilizes a systemic clinical approach to guide support for gender diverse youth and family members.
Abstract: Background: Previous research has suggested that gender diversity affects everyone in the family, with positive mental health and global outcomes for gender diverse youth reliant on receiving adequ...
TL;DR: The Gender Affirmative Lifespan Approach (GALA) is presented, a psychotherapy framework based in health disparities theory and research, which asserts that therapeutic interventions combating internalized oppression have the potential to improve mental health symptomatology resulting in improved overall health and well-being for gender diverse clients.
Abstract: Background: The limited research on nonbinary individuals suggests that this community experiences significant health disparities. Compared to binary transgender individuals, research suggests that nonbinary individuals are at elevated risk for discrimination and negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, and suicidality. Even mental health providers who work with binary transgender individuals often lack knowledge of and training to work competently with nonbinary individuals. Methods: The authors of this conceptual article present the Gender Affirmative Lifespan Approach (GALA), a psychotherapy framework based in health disparities theory and research, which asserts that therapeutic interventions combating internalized oppression have the potential to improve mental health symptomatology resulting in improved overall health and well-being for gender diverse clients. GALA's therapeutic interventions are designed to promote positive gender identity development through five core components: (1) building resiliency; (2) developing gender literacy; (3) moving beyond the binary; 4) promoting positive sexuality; and (5) facilitating empowering connections to medical interventions (if desired). Results: The core components of the GALA model are individualized to each client's unique needs, while taking into consideration age and acknowledging developmental shifts in, or fluidity of, gender across the lifespan. This model represents an inclusive, trans-affirmative approach to competent clinical care with nonbinary individuals. Discussion: Application of the GALA model with nonbinary clients is discussed, including one clinical case vignette.
TL;DR: Transgender people incarcerated1 around the world remain a “vulnerable group,” and continue to experience significant mistreatment, human rights violations, and erasure of their gender identity, according to the United Nations.
Abstract: Transgender people incarcerated1 around the world remain a “vulnerable group,” and continue to experience significant mistreatment, human rights violations, and erasure of their gender identity, co...
TL;DR: Within a sample of transgender AFAB adolescents, half of whom were taking testosterone, a variety of contraceptives were used, including depot medroxyprogesterone, combined oral contraceptives, and levonorgestrel IUD, and many patients discontinued contraception once they stopped having menses.
Abstract: Aims: To describe the use of hormonal contraceptives for menstrual management and/or pregnancy prevention in a clinic-based series of transgender adolescents and young adults who were assigned fema...
TL;DR: The experiences of transgender prisoners are almost uniformly more difficult than other prisoners, and their “otherness” is used as a weapon against them by fellow prisoners through intimidation and violence and by prison officers through neglect and ignorance.
Abstract: Background: Despite transgender people being more visible in prison systems, research suggests they are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence compared to other prisoners. Research also suggests that transgender prisoners experience harassment, and physical and sexual assault by fellow prisoners, and prison officers who lack transgender-specific health knowledge. There exist no systematic reviews on the experiences of transgender people in prisons. This review aims to fill this research gap. The following question developed in consultation with transgender, sexual health/HIV and corrective services stakeholders has guided the systematic review: What are transgender and gender-diverse prisoners' experiences in various prison settings and what are their knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexual behaviors and HIV/STIs? Methods: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and searches were conducted in four databases for the period of January 2007 to August 2017. Studies were assessed against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies were peer-reviewed, written in English with online full-text availability and reported data on transgender and gender-diverse prisoner experiences relevant to the research question. Results: Eleven studies (nine qualitative, one quantitative, one mixed-methods; nine in USA, two in Australia) met the criteria for review. Four studies were of high quality, six were of good/acceptable quality, and one study was of modest quality. Transgender and gender-diverse prisoners reported a range of challenges which included sexual assault, discrimination, stigma, harassment, and mistreatment. Information on their sexual health and HIV/STIs knowledge, attitudes, practices is in short supply. Also, their lack of access to gender-affirming, sexual health/STIs and mental health services is commonplace. Conclusions: The experiences of transgender prisoners as reported in this review are almost uniformly more difficult than other prisoners. Their "otherness" is used as a weapon against them by fellow prisoners through intimidation and violence (including sexual) and by prison officers through neglect and ignorance.
TL;DR: Data show transgender and gender nonconforming individuals may face enacted stigma even in their search for a provider, particularly those TGNC people living in States without legal protections.
Abstract: Background: When accessing mental healthcare services, transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals face systemic barriers to gender-affirmative care. Initial points of contact, like int...
TL;DR: It is found that although religious affiliation and on-campus living are beneficial for cisgender students, neither systematically buffers distress for TGNC students, and suggest suggestions for therapeutic intervention in work with TGNC individuals.
Abstract: Background: Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals experience an increased prevalence of many psychological disorders, leading many to reach out for support from family, friends, mental health professionals, and religious or community networks. Nonetheless, experiences seeking support are often negative, and many psychotherapists report feeling underprepared to work with TGNC clients. To better understand the experiences of TGNC individuals and better equip psychotherapists in their work with TGNC clients, we investigate which sources of support most successfully buffer psychological distress among TGNC individuals. Aims: This study aims to identify differences in levels of various types of support (social, family, religious, and living-situation) between cisgender and TGNC individuals and examine how these types of support may or may not buffer psychological distress among TGNC individuals. Method: We used a United States national sample of 3,090 students (1,030 cisgender men; 1,030 cisgender women; 349 transgender; 681 endorsing another gender identity) from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health 2012-2015 database which provided basic demographic information through the Standardized Data Set. Psychological distress was measured through the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms 34-item questionnaire. Results: TGNC individuals reported more distress, less family support, more social support, and less frequent religious affiliation than cisgender men and women. Family and social support emerged as the strongest predictors of distress for both TGNC and cisgender individuals. Though religious affiliation and living on-campus buffered distress among cisgender students, they did not buffer distress among TGNC students. Conclusion: Our study highlights disparities in distress and support between TGNC and cisgender individuals. We found that although religious affiliation and on-campus living are beneficial for cisgender students, neither systematically buffers distress for TGNC students. These findings illustrate the impact minority stress and systemic discrimination may have on TGNC individuals and provide suggestions for therapeutic intervention in work with TGNC individuals.
TL;DR: Although transgender people in many countries face social and mental health problems, this study suggests that socio-cultural factors may increase the likelihood of psychopathology.
Abstract: Background: Few studies have compared the psychological functioning of individuals with gender dysphoria in Western and non-Western cultures. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing the mental health of transgender individuals from an Islamic and non-Islamic country (Iran and the Netherlands). Methods: In this study, the psychological functioning and body image of 163 individuals with gender dysphoria (100 transgender women (75 in the Netherlands, 25 in Iran) and 63 transgender men (45 in the Netherlands, 18 in Iran) in two clinics located in Iran (N = 43) and the Netherlands (N = 120) was evaluated using the SCL-90 and the Body Image Scale (BIS). Also, none of these individuals had yet received hormonal therapy and/or surgery in their clinics. Results: Dutch participants (M = 31.56, SD = 12.26) were older than Iranian participants (M = 25.21, SD = 3.04). Dutch transwomen were less often androphilic (sexually attracted to men) than Iranian transwomen, and Iranian trans people were more often bisexual than the Dutch trans people. Significantly more Dutch transgender people were married (we had no information about the gender of the spouse), and indicated to have more contact with their families than the participants in Iran. The participants from Iran had significantly more psychological complaints than the Dutch participants. Compared to participants in Iran, participants in the Netherlands were more dissatisfied with their secondary sexual characteristics and neutral body characteristics, but there was no significant difference between the countries in terms of satisfaction with primary sex characteristics. Conclusions: Although transgender people in many countries face social and mental health problems, this study suggests that socio-cultural factors may increase the likelihood of psychopathology.
TL;DR: In this sample, it is found that resources should be directed toward building economic and political capital at the community level so participants have the ability and opportunity to marshal such resources.
Abstract: Background: Health care disparities between transgender/gender non-binary individuals and the general population are well-documented and related to both interpersonal and institutional disc...
TL;DR: The GQI demonstrates strong predictive validity in distinguishing binary transpersons from GQNB and cisgender sexual minority persons and reveals that these three subgroups who might otherwise be similarly categorized show significant differences on challenging the binary, social construction, theoretical awareness, and gender fluidity constructs.
Abstract: Introduction: The Genderqueer Identity Scale (GQI; McGuire et al., this issue) – a newly developed and validated measure – assesses genderqueer identity via four subscales: challenging the ...
TL;DR: Gender neutral pronouns: A modest proposal Charles Moser PhD, MD & Maura Devereux PA-C is published in International Journal of Transgenderism.
Abstract: Professionals working with gender dysphoric individuals understand that gender is not binary and that some individuals are uncomfortable identifying as either male or female. The International Jour...
TL;DR: A response to Moser and Devereux (2017) “A Modest Proposal” is presented.
Abstract: ABSTRACT A response to Moser and Devereux (2017), “A Modest Proposal.”