Tomboys Revisited: A Retrospective Comparison of Childhood Behavioral Patterns in Lesbians and Transmen

Loren Schechter,Tonya White,Randi Ettner,Frederic Ettner,Baoman Li,Tanya Friese

doi:10.14302/issn.2643-6655.jcap-18-2086

Abstract

In 1979, a study conducted by Ehrhardt et al. retrospectively examined childhood behavioral patterns of 30 adults; 15 identified as lesbian women and 15 identified as transmen. All 30 adults had been assigned female at birth, and, as children, all were regarded as “tomboys.” The study found several key factors that distinguished the two cohorts. The goal of this study was to replicate and extend the 1979 study, utilizing a larger sample size and including a reference group of heterosexual women. Given the major social, technological, medical, and legal paradigm shifts that have occurred over the past four decades, we sought to determine if the previous findings still differentiate the cohorts. In light of the exponential rise in the number of gender diverse and dysphoric youth who request treatment, providing optimal, affirmative care and education is paramount, especially since many of these young people seek social and/or medical transition. Exploration of the early behavioral indices of the diverse trajectories may help to inform best practices for optimal care for these young people and their families.

Highlights

In 1979, Erhardt, Grisanti and McCauley retrospectively studied early childhood traits of 30 adults, all of whom were assigned female at birth, and most were considered “tomboys” during childhood and adolescence
There was a significant difference in age between the three groups (F2,158=30.5, p < 0.0001), with the transmen being younger than the lesbian women and the reference group
In 1979, Erhard et al reported that certain variables distinguished between two groups of adults who had been assigned female at birth, but exhibited gender atypical behavior in childhood

Summary

Introduction

In 1979, Erhardt, Grisanti and McCauley retrospectively studied early childhood traits of 30 adults, all of whom were assigned female at birth, and most were considered “tomboys” during childhood and adolescence. Half of this group, 15 individuals, identified as lesbian women as adults. Most of the transmen (93%) and most of the lesbian women (67%) reported having been labeled as “tomboys” [1] Both groups displayed little interest in stereotypic maternal role play, i.e., playing with dolls or exhibiting an interest in babies [2,3]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion