Little research has explored the experiences of transgender or gender-nonconforming (TGNC) students in higher education. Further, only 1 study has included the perspectives of TGNC graduate students (McKinney, 2005), and the experiences of students who identify with nonbinary gender identities (e.g., genderqueer, agender) are scarce in the literature (Nicolazzo, 2016a(Nicolazzo, , 2016b. This study aims to address these gaps. Ninety-one graduate students completed an online survey aimed at understanding the perspectives of TGNC students in higher education. Of these 91 students, 27 (30%) identified as binary trans (e.g., trans man, trans woman) and 64 (70%) identified as nonbinary trans (e.g., genderqueer). Most respondents had concerns about their physical or emotional safety that impacted their gender presentation on campus (e.g., students presented as more masculine or feminine than they would prefer, to avoid negative treatment). Misgendering by peers, faculty, and advisors was a common stressor, the nature and meaning of which differed somewhat for nonbinary and binary identified students. Interactions with faculty advisors were identified as salient contexts for experiencing affirmation versus invalidation of one's gender identity. Findings highlight the need for institutions of higher education to better anticipate, support, and meet the needs of TGNC graduate students.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has been increasing in clinical as well as nonclinical populations in recent years. There are few published reports examining lifetime occurrence of this behavior in transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people. An online survey was conducted with self-identified TGNC adults (n = 773) in the United States over the course of 6 months in 2009. The mean age for the sample was 40.4 years (SD = 13.9). Most participants identified on the trans masculine spectrum (female-to-male or FTM; 52.0%), 33.9% identified on the trans feminine spectrum (male-to-female or MTF), and 8.0% identified as genderqueer. Participants completed the Body Investment Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, and the Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury. Results indicated that 41.9% of participants had a lifetime history of NSSI. Scores on the subscales of Protection and Feeling from the Body Investment Scale were found to be statistically predictive of NSSI. These findings shed new light on the lifetime prevalence of NSSI in this online TGNC respondent sample. Practice implications are discussed for mental health professionals who work with TGNC clients in addition to research recommendations.

Despite the growing visibility and acceptance of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals, TGNC older adults experience many barriers in accessing competent and affirming health and social services due to anti-TGNC prejudice, discrimination, and lack of competent healthcare training on the part of healthcare workers. Clinical gerontologists and geriatricians will likely encounter TGNC adults in their practice given population aging and greater numbers of TGNC people who are living in their affirmed gender identities. The American Psychological Association recently published its Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People, which document the unique needs of TGNC individuals and outlines approaches for competent and affirming service provision (APA, 2015). We interpret these Guidelines using a gerontological lens to elucidate specific issues faced by the TGNC older adult along with the practice and policy implications for this population.

Health insurance is considered by many to be a basic human right. This study explored the differences in health insurance coverage and access to health care by comparing the results of data from 2 large datasets that were collected in 2008. Data from the National Health Interview Survey were compared with data from the National Transgender Discrimination Study. Results indicated that transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals were less likely than cisgender (nontransgender) individuals to have health insurance ( 2 ϭ 13.3). Further, TGNC individuals were less likely to have a primary care physician than cisgender individuals ( 2 ϭ 23.2). The results of this study are indicative of the magnitude of health care disparities for TGNC individuals in the United States. Implications for practice and policy are provided.

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