scholarly journals 'Everyone wants to be seen and accepted': A thematic analysis of gender and sexual identities between and beyond the binary

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Wright-Bevans ◽  
Katie Wright-Bevans ◽  
Carrie Childs ◽  
Jenny Hallam
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Attraction ◽  
Social Rejection ◽  
Gender Identities ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
Gender Affirmation ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Familial Interactions

Historically, those who hold minority sexual and gender identities have been pathologized, discriminated against and marginalised. However, much less is known about those who hold multiple minority statuses concurrently and are gender and sexually diverse (GSD). Similarly, literature that explores the intersection between GSD between and beyond the binary is scarce. Yet, GSD communities experience poor mental and health outcomes and high suicide rates that have been associated with social rejection. The present study included 119 GSD participants across trans, non-binary, Bi+ and ace communities. Participants completed an online survey which contained questions relating to their sexual identity, of which 43 made unsolicited references to their gender identities. Subsequently, this study aimed to explore how GSD individuals experience their gender identity in relation to their sexual identity via reflexive thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified. Findings highlighted the importance of attaining gender congruence to attain sexual congruence and alterations in sexual attraction during gender affirmation as being understood in both psychological and biological contexts. Additionally, participants experienced their GSD as being gatekept from all angles. Particularly, invalidating familial interactions towards GSD were detrimental to positive self-concepts beyond cishet ideals. Consequently, participants risked becoming their own barrier in the expression of their own GSD to find shelter amongst cisheteronormativity. Importantly, participants exhibited self-acceptance and resilience in the form of affirmative interactions. These findings showcase the importance of acceptance and resilience building within and outside of GSD communities. Furthermore, this study proposes pathways towards resilience and recovery through the understanding and dissemination of expert companionship to institutions, professionals, allies, and GSD communities alike.

Examining the Impact of Question Construction on Reporting of Sexual Identity: Survey Experiment among Young Adults (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J Young ◽  
Michelle Bover Manderski ◽  
Ollie Ganz ◽  
Cristine D Delnevo ◽  
Mary Hrywna
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Survey Experiment ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Compared to heterosexuals, sexual minorities in the United States experience a higher incidence of negative physical and mental health outcomes. However, a variety of measurement challenges limit researchers’ ability to conduct meaningful survey research to understand these disparities. Many national health surveys only offer respondents three substantive options for reporting their sexual identities (straight/heterosexual, gay or lesbian, and bisexual) despite the prevalence of additional identities, which could lead to measurement error via misreporting and item non-response. OBJECTIVE This study compared the traditional three-option approach to measuring sexual identity with an expanded approach that offered respondents five additional options. METHODS An online survey experiment conducted among New Jersey residents between March and June 2021 randomly assigned 1,258 young adults (ages 18-21) to answer either the three-response measure of sexual identity or the expanded item. Response distributions for each measure were compared as were the odds of item non-response. RESULTS The expanded version of the question appeared to result in more accurate reporting among some subgroups and induced less item non-response. Twelve percent of participants answering the expanded version of the question selected a response that was not available in the shorter version. Females answering the expanded item were less likely to identify as gay or lesbian (2% vs.7%). Females and Non-Hispanic whites were slightly more likely to skip the shorter item (1% vs. 0%). Five percent of respondents answering the longer item were unsure of their sexual identity (a similar option was not available in the shorter version). Compared to respondents answering the longer version of the question, those answering the shorter version had substantially greater odds of skipping the question altogether (Odds Ratio 9.57, 95% CI 1.21-75.73, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Results favor the use of a longer, more detailed approach to measuring sexual identity in epidemiological research. Such a measure will likely allow researchers to produce more accurate estimates of health behaviors and outcomes among sexual minorities.

scholarly journals “I Walked into the Industry for Survival and Came Out of a Closet”

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 479-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Premala Matthen ◽  
Tara Lyons ◽  
Matthew Taylor ◽  
James Jennex ◽  
Solanna Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Work ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Gender Identities ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
Trans People ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
And Gender

Background/Objectives: This article seeks to examine how gender and sexual identities shape sex work experiences among men, two spirit, and/or trans people in Vancouver. Methods: In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with men and trans people in Metro Vancouver from Community Health Assessment of Men Who Purchase and Sell Sex. An intersectional critical feminist perspective guided the thematic analysis of interview transcripts, and ATLAS.ti 7 was used to manage data analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: (1) the diversity of sexual and gender identities among sex workers and clients, (2) the expression and exploration of sexual and gender identities through sex work, and (3) the migration of sexual and gender minorities to urban centers to escape discrimination in their places of origin. Discussion: These findings complicate existing narratives of sex work, demonstrating the need for policies and services that reflect the diversity of sex work experiences.

scholarly journals Well-being during COVID-19 pandemic: A comparison of individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities and cis-heterosexual individuals

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252356
Author(s):  
Pichit Buspavanich ◽  
Sonia Lech ◽  
Eva Lermer ◽  
Mirjam Fischer ◽  
Maximilian Berger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Gender Identities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
And Gender

Background Preliminary empirical data indicates a substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and mental health. Individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities are at a higher risk of experiencing such negative changes in their well-being. The objective of this study was to compare levels of well-being among cis-heterosexual individuals and individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Using data obtained in a cross-sectional online survey between April 20 to July 20, 2020 (N = 2332), we compared levels of well-being (WHO-5) across subgroups (cis-individuals with minoritized sexual identities, individuals with minoritized gender identities and cis-heterosexual individuals) applying univariate (two-sample t-test) and multivariate analysis (multivariate linear regression). Results Results indicate overall lower levels of well-being as well as lower levels of well-being in minoritized sexual or gender identities compared to cis-heterosexual individuals. Further, multivariate analyses revealed that living in urban communities as well as being in a relationship were positively associated with higher levels of well-being. Furthermore, a moderation analysis showed that being in a relationship reduces the difference between groups in terms of well-being. Conclusion Access to mental healthcare for individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities as well as access to gender-affirming resources should be strengthened during COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare services with low barriers of access such as telehealth and online peer support groups should be made available, especially for vulnerable groups.

LGBTIQ Roma and queer intersectionalities: the lived experiences of LGBTIQ Roma

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-388
Author(s):  
Lucie Fremlova
Keyword(s):  
Gender Identity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Social Norm ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Frame Of Reference ◽  
Gender Identities ◽  
And Gender

Roma of minority sexual and gender identities experience oppression and inequality as Roma and LGBTIQ. Moving past a frame of reference in Romani Studies that has often foregrounded ethnicity, this article utilises the lived experiences of LGBTIQ Roma in order to explore understandings of Romani identities as fluid but nonetheless informed by interlocking axes of inequality. Data were generated through participant observation, focus groups and interviews with LGBTIQ Roma, and were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that individuals who self-identify as Roma also make multiple identifications on other grounds, including sex/gender, sexuality, gender identity or class. In this article, I argue that reading intersectionality in conjunction with queer assemblages – ‘queer intersectionalities’ – benefits queer (non-normative) intersectional understandings of Romani identities as not anchored in the notion of fixed ‘groupness’ or essentialist difference while allowing us to identify and interrogate the inequitable workings of asymmetrical hegemonic power relations constitutive of binary social norm(ativitie)s.

scholarly journals Transgender phenomenon in Serbia in the 21st century: Knowledge and experiences of health providers on gender affirmation process

Engrami ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-22
Author(s):  
Jelena Vidić
Keyword(s):  
Professional Training ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Transgender People ◽  
Gender Affirmation ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
And Gender ◽  
High Level

Introduction. In the past ten years significant changes have happened in conceptualization and treatment of transgender phenomenon. Treatment has been individualized and more grounded in the model of informed consent, more referrals to the gender clinics and gender teams has been recorded, and the ICD-11 finally removed gender dysphoria from the chapter on mental disorders to a separate chapter on sexual health. Objective. Having in mind these changes and the preparation for the upcoming implementation of ICD-11, we can expect more transgender patients in primary, secondary and tertiary health care. Therefore we conducted this research aiming to assess level of knowledge and experiences of health providers on working with transgender patients. Method of work. We used qualitative methodology and online survey created for this research. The sample is convenient. Results. Final sample consists of 65 health providers. Data indicates relatively low level of knowledge on different aspects of gender affirmation process, but also high level of interest in additional professional training in this area. Conclusion. Data indicates the need for additional training of health providers on working with transgender people during regular medical education and additional professional trainings. Our data can be used as a basis for planning of various trainings and for future research.

scholarly journals “There’s no reason to do monogamy”: Evidence for and Characteristics Associated with a Strong Desire for Consensual Nonmonogamy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Arter ◽  
Sacha S. Bunge
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life Choices ◽  
Gender Identities ◽  
Self Perceptions ◽  
Life Plans ◽  
Sexual Orientations ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Introduction Consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) is a form of relationship practiced by many despite widespread stigma against it. In this study, we explore evidence of strong, persistent desire for CNM among some individuals, and look for commonalities among these individuals. Method Between February 2019 and June 2020, we conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 51 US adults who had practiced CNM for between 3 and 50 years, recruited via community contacts and snowball method. Participants reported a broad diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities; 62.7% reported European/white ancestry. We conducted thematic analysis to examine evidence of strong, persistent desire for CNM and common characteristics and experiences among participants. Results We describe 7 sub-themes that suggest a strong desire for CNM, such as pursuing CNM early in life, experiencing difficulties in attempts at monogamy, and describing one’s desire for CNM as enduring or unchangeable. We then describe 9 characteristics and experiences that were common among participants, such as a preference for autonomy, not experiencing categorical distinctions among relationships, desiring to make life plans with multiple adults, and exposure to communities whose norms do not assume monogamy. Conclusions Our data indicate a pattern of desires, life choices, and self-perceptions suggesting that some individuals strongly desire and persistently pursue CNM (whereas others appear to be comfortable with both CNM and monogamy). Policy Implications Our results suggest that some individuals consistently desire and pursue CNM relationships, and therefore would benefit from efforts toward destigmatization and reduction of institutional disadvantage against the practice of CNM.

"I Too Could Be Gay If I Wanted"

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Herrero-Brasas
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Religious Studies ◽  
Social Rejection ◽  
Religious Attitudes ◽  
Queer People ◽  
The Social

An important factor in the social rejection and marginalization of queer people is misplaced empathy. When it comes to sexual identity, putting oneself in someone else's shoes, if bringing into those shoes a radically non-queer emotional experience, will only lead to further lack of understanding and misconceptions. The religious studies classroom provides a privileged setting for exposing that wrong kind of empathy and help the students reflect about the ways in which negative religious attitudes to queerness may be tainted with it.

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