Deepening understanding of nuanced identity within the transgender community through an exploration of posttraumatic growth.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of a marginalized sexual orientation identity and gender identity on family support, socialization, spirituality, psychological distress, and suicide risk using secondary data analysis of the 2015 United States Transgender survey. Unique intragroup differences and vulnerabilities between those who identify as transgender and those who identify as transgender and genderqueer/nonbinary, and those who also identify with a marginalized sexual orientation were identified. Genderqueer/nonbinary individuals had lower rates of family support and higher rates of psychological distress when compared to transgender individuals. Genderqueer/nonbinary individuals had higher rates of socialization with the transgender community and lower rates of suicide risk, when compared with transgender individuals. Gender identity did not impact spirituality. Participants who reported a marginalized sexual orientation identity had significantly lower levels of family support, higher levels of psychological distress, were less likely to be spiritual but also had higher levels of socialization with the transgender community when compared with participants who reported a heterosexual identity. Sexual orientation did not impact suicide risk. This analysis presents novel insights indicating the presence of factors related to posttraumatic growth within the transgender community. Implications for practice, policy, and future research for those who identify as transgender and genderqueer/nonbinary, particularly related to risk and protective factors are discussed. Public Significance StatementThis study examines the impact of a marginalized sexual orientation identity and gender identity on family support, socialization, spirituality, psychological distress, and suicide risk using secondary data analysis of the 2015 United States Transgender survey. Findings include recommendations to facilitate posttraumatic growth and for further research specifically related to individuals who identify as both genderqueer/nonbinary and transgender.

“I have to fight for them to investigate things”: a qualitative exploration of physical and mental healthcare for women diagnosed with mental illness

“…Like participants in this study, prior negative experiences with health services also reduces their engagement with future clinical services, further compounding and creating a cycle of chronic inequality (61). There is a need for further research into the experiences of women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, who are less likely to have their healthcare needs met (60), particularly in low-income countries (63).…”

“…While we did aim for variation in recruitment, no transgender or gender diverse participants enrolled in our study, which is a limitation. These voices are underrepresented in this literature, and people who do not identify as cisgender are more likely to experience mental illness ( 64 , 65 ), in part due to the impacts of marginalisation, discrimination, minority stress, poverty, socio-economic inequity, healthcare inequity, and exposure to violence ( 66–70 ), and subsequently, greater vulnerability to physical health concerns ( 71 , 72 ).…”

Transgender and gender diverse consumers on navigating the stigmatized process of gender affirmation in the Central Plains USA

“…Transgender and gender diverse consumers The topics of TGD identities have recently become focal points in the gender literature (Bakker et al, 2020). Individuals who identify as TGD often describe their gender affirmation journey as traumatic (Barr et al, 2021;Counselman-Carpenter and Redcay, 2022). Because of the potential alienation from friends, family, co-workers, etc., many TGD individuals are fraught with anxiety, depression, uncertainty and stress (Ekins and King, 2006;Lindley and Bauerband, 2022).…”