Trans Prejudice and Its Potential Links to IPV Among Trans People

Abstract

During the last 20 years, trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals have become more visible in social activism, politics, and popular media. Concomitant with this visibility has been greater recognition and acceptance of the fluidity and non-binary quality of some people’s gender identity. Despite these positive changes, TGNC individuals still face widespread prejudice and discrimination, such as the creation of so-called “bathroom bills,” proposed restrictions on access to health care, and instigated attempts by the federal government to legislate the definition of “gender.” Research examining the roots of trans prejudice, or prejudice toward trans people, indicates that negative attitudes may be associated with traditional gender role beliefs, anti-feminist attitudes, moral disgust toward trans people, and a belief that trans people are psychologically disturbed. Perceived threats to social values and sexual safety posed by trans people may also underlie trans prejudice among cisgender heterosexual individuals in particular. Also, there is evidence that these perceived threats vary depending on the gender identity of the trans person as well as the cisgender individual. An examination of the origins of and the factors that predict trans prejudice will contribute to a better understanding of the high levels of sexual assault, harassment, and intimate partner violence (IPV) reported by trans people in recent surveys. Furthermore, such an understanding may contribute to systemic changes in the treatment of trans people by their family, friends, intimate partners, as well as health care professionals.