Diverse Gender Identities Research Articles

The potential harm of loss and grief narratives among families of transgender and nonbinary youth.

Grief and loss perspectives are frequently used in clinical and nonclinical (e.g., parent-facilitated support groups) settings to support families who are navigating awareness or disclosure of a child's diverse gender identity (i.e., as transgender or nonbinary [TNB]). Little to no research has examined the mental health consequences of TNB youth of having parents and caregivers conceptualize their child's gender transition or journey through the lens of loss and grief. Framed by minority stress theory, this study examines associations between 319 TNB youths' (ages 13-22) awareness of familial grief related to their TNB identity and their own mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and suicide thoughts and behaviors). Results indicate that TNB youth who experience familial grief or loss due to their TNB identity reported higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms and were more likely to have attempted suicide. We discuss how clinicians and providers in community settings can better support TNB youth by reducing the use of a grief and loss lens in interventions with families. Clinicians and other providers are encouraged to help families integrate a child's developing gender identity and expression within the family context and to interrogate the meaning of loss of cisgender privilege for the youth and their parent and family systems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Victimization Experienced by LGBTQIA+ Students in Academic Institutions: A Qualitative Exploration in India

ABSTRACTVictimization is a common experience encountered by sexual and gender minorities across domains of life, including academic institutions. The present study aims to explore the forms and consequences of victimization experienced by LGBTQIA+ students, along with the coping strategies adopted by them to deal with such experiences. To address these research objectives, the present study adopts a qualitative approach. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews are conducted with thirty‐three college students (age 19–32 years, M = 24.24 years) belonging to diverse gender identities and sexual orientation, predominantly from middle and upper socioeconomic backgrounds. The qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis (a hybrid of inductive and theoretical thematic analysis) method. The analysis led to the generation of the following themes: bullying, interpersonal and environmental microaggression, queer battle fatigue, avoidance/approach coping, disclosure dilemma, and campus climate. The result shows that LGBTQIA+ students experience diverse forms of victimization at both, the school and college/university levels. However, bullying is more common in schools whereas microaggression is more prevalent at the college/university level. Victimization leads to negative mental health and inhibited/partial disclosures. Additionally, the experiences of victimization are aggravated through negative campus climate and unhealthy coping. The implications of the research are discussed.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI): A Tutorial on Ethical Data Practices

Abstract In the U.S., approximately 13 million individuals identify as part of a sexual and gender minority (SGM). This broad spectrum includes sexual orientation identities such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, pansexual, and same-gender-loving, as well as gender identities such as transgender, gender non-conforming, bigender, and two-spirit. As behavior analysts heed the call to engage in culturally competent practices that address diverse sexual orientation and gender identities (SOGI), they will likely consider collecting SOGI data as part of their practice. The benefits of SOGI data collection certainly exist. However, the historical oppression and increased vulnerability of SGM populations require a careful and thorough evaluation of ethical data collection practices to avoid harm and to ensure respectful and inclusive practices. The present tutorial aims to begin the discussion of ethical and effective SOGI data collection practices within behavior analysis by offering initial guidelines and considerations. We highlight methods that improve cultural sensitivity, and caution against traditional methods that could harm respondents or contribute to a non-inclusive environment.

School Aged Youth With Intersectional Sexual and Gender Diverse Identities Have Adverse Substance Use and Mental Health Outcomes

School Aged Youth With Intersectional Sexual and Gender Diverse Identities Have Adverse Substance Use and Mental Health Outcomes

Ensuring culturally competent nursing care for LGBT+ people.

People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexual and gender minorities (LGBT+) can encounter various challenges when seeking healthcare. For example, many LGBT+ individuals experience discrimination and social stigma from healthcare professionals, leading to feelings of mistrust. This might manifest as explicit homophobia or transphobia, inappropriate questioning, or a lack of consideration for the sensitivities around LGBT+ identities. Similarly, healthcare organisations may have policies that lack inclusivity, with administrative forms and procedures that do not consider diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Nurses are increasingly recognising the importance of providing inclusive care for individuals who identify as LGBT+, which involves being attentive to their specific needs. This article examines the barriers that may be encountered by LGBT+ individuals in healthcare services and offers recommendations for how nurses can deliver culturally sensitive healthcare to the LGBT+ community.

Leadership, Gender, and School Culture: Navigating Power and Resistance in Education

This paper investigates the ongoing gender inequalities within education systems, influenced by globalization and entrenched power dynamics that often limit gender inclusivity. Global initiatives aimed at gender equality frequently adopt a universalist approach, yet this can mask intersectional disparities and reinforce hegemonic masculinity, especially through the spread of Western masculine ideals. Within educational institutions, heteronormative and cisnormative school cultures frequently marginalize non-heterosexual identities, creating challenging environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) students. Although anti-discrimination policies exist, many teachers lack adequate training to address gender and sexuality issues, leading to adverse academic and social outcomes for marginalized students. The study reveals that traditional educational leadership often reinforces conventional gender norms, while transformational leadership grounded in social justice is essential to fostering inclusivity and addressing intersecting inequalities. The findings underscore the need for structural reforms to establish supportive and equitable school settings that acknowledge and celebrate diverse gender identities

Characteristics Associated with Engagement in the Early Detection Cascade of Care for Psychosis at a College Counseling Center.

Using the Cascade of Care framework, we explored the demographic and clinical characteristics of students at six stages in an early psychosis detection program at a college counseling center, with a focus on the transition between stages with the highest disengagement. We detailed and compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of those who (1) completed the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief (PQ-B, N = 1588); (2) met the PQ-B cutoff score (n = 486); (3) were referred for secondary phone screening (n = 404); (4) completed secondary phone screening (n = 198); (5) completed a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) eligibility assessment (n = 51); and (6) were enrolled in CSC (n = 21). Education level and gender identity were associated with engagement at multiple stages of the early detection cascade. Graduate education level, transgender or gender diverse gender identity, alcohol use, and depressive symptoms predicted student follow-through with referral to secondary phone screenings.

Substance Use, Suicidal Behavior, and Other Mental Health Outcomes Among Youth With Intersectional Sexual and Gender Diverse Identities

Substance Use, Suicidal Behavior, and Other Mental Health Outcomes Among Youth With Intersectional Sexual and Gender Diverse Identities

Association between exposure to gender and sexual diversity in media (GSDM) and Thai adolescents’ attitude towards LGBT individuals: a cross-sectional study in Bangkok schools

ObjectiveIn recent years, global media has increasingly represented lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, contributing to greater societal acceptance of diverse sexualities and gender identities. However, in Thailand, negative...

Development of Communication Skills Training for Oncology Clinicians to Promote Inclusion of the Family Members of LGBTQ+ People with Cancer.

Background: LGBTQ+ persons with cancer and their families consistently face discriminatory care. In addition, clinicians report inadequate population-specific knowledge and communication skills to effectively promote LGBTQ+ inclusion. To fill this gap, we designed a communication skills training based on extant literature; multidisciplinary perspectives; and patient, family, and clinician expert engagement. Methods: Training content comprised didactic information, including exemplar videos of communication strategies, and experiential learning roleplay opportunities with standardized patient and family member actors. Two training sessions were conducted virtually with invited multidisciplinary clinicians using convenience sampling. Each training was followed by a one-hour, semi-structured focus group to solicit feedback on participants' experiences and recommendations for improvement. Focus group transcripts were thematically analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Results: Two major themes were identified: key takeaways from the training and recommendations for improvement. Participants reported favorable learning experiences and believed the training would have a positive influence on future clinical interactions. We synthesized recommendations into five discrete pieces of feedback related to (1) the advanced level of training material; (2) diversity throughout the training; (3) complexity of family dynamics; and (4) recovery from communication mistakes; and (5) additional topics for future training. Based on feedback, corresponding changes for each item and a refined communication skills blueprint are provided. Conclusions: Our innovative training on inclusive cancer care for LGBTQ+ patients' families will provide both knowledge-based and experiential learning opportunities to advance clinicians' confidence in communicating empathically with members of diverse sexual orientation and gender identities. The training is poised for feasibility and efficacy testing.

Effects of Patient Gender on Clinicians’ Diagnostic Assessment of Youth Disruptive Mood and Behavior

ABSTRACT Objective Youth disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) have a male preponderance, but the extent to which gender biases in clinical assessment influence this imbalance remains unclear. The present study investigates whether a child patient’s gender affects clinicians’ diagnostic decision-making regarding Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Dissocial Disorder (CDD), and Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). Method Clinicians (N = 403; 57.1% male; M age = 48.96 years, SD = 11.09) participated in a global ICD-11 field study. Following an experimental design, participants were asked to use ICD-10 or ICD-11 diagnostic guidelines to evaluate two clinical case vignettes, randomly manipulating the patients’ gender (boy, girl) and symptom presentation (ODD-Defiant, ODD-Irritable, CDD, IED). Analyses tested whether clinicians’ diagnostic accuracy and perceptions of impairment and severity were affected by the patient’s gender. Results Overall, clinicians identified the correct diagnosis 64.7% of the time. Patient gender was not associated with clinicians’ diagnostic accuracy (ps= .090–.895, |φs| = 0.01–0.18) or severity or impairment ratings (ps = .079–.404, |ds| = 0.04–0.19). This pattern of nonsignificant differences and negligible/small effect sizes was consistent across all clinical presentations and analyses. Conclusions We found no evidence of an association between patient gender, diagnostic accuracy, or perceived severity or impairment when assessing youth DBDs in the present study. Results suggest that diagnostic judgments may be driven by clinical presentation rather than gender and that the male DBD preponderance may not be due to gender diagnostic biases. Further research is needed to replicate these findings among youths in clinical settings, with diverse gender identities, and with other mental health conditions.

Machine Learning Prediction of Self-Injurious Outcomes in Adolescents by Sexual and Gender Identity

Objective Sexual and gender minority adolescents face elevated rates of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) relative to peers, yet fewer studies have examined risk in these youth, and reasons for higher risk remain unclear. Modeling SITBs using traditional statistical models has proven challenging. More complex machine learning approaches may offer better performance and insights. We explored and compared multiple machine learning models of suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury—both past-year frequency and dichotomous lifetime occurrence—among adolescents of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Method Data came from a large adolescent survey (N = 2,452) including psychological and demographic features. We compared prediction performance between generalized linear models, random forest models, and gradient boosting decision tree models using the full sample. Results Contrary to hypotheses, we found that these models generally performed comparably. We then selected the best-performing model families to run follow-up comparisons between cisgender and gender minority adolescents and between heterosexual and sexual minority adolescents. Depression was consistently the top-ranked feature across all models save one, in which discrimination was the top-ranked feature for lifetime occurrence of suicide attempt in the gender minority group. In addition, loneliness was more important in the gender minority group relative to the cisgender group for models of suicidal ideation. Conclusion Discrimination and loneliness emerged as important features in predicting SITBs amongst gender minorities. Future work should examine these factors both as possible statistical predictors of SITB risk and as treatment targets for gender minority youth.

Weaponizing Sport: Exploring the Legal and Policy Implications of Menstrual Tracking for Transgender and Nonbinary Athletes

The intersection of gender identity, sports participation, and health care is increasingly under scrutiny within legal and policy spheres. Specifically, the practice of tracking U.S. high school athletes’ menstrual cycles sustains concerning implications for gender-based discrimination, particularly affecting transgender and nonbinary athletes. This paper examines the legal and policy implications of menstrual tracking in high school athletics, highlighting the potential violations of privacy rights and discrimination against athletes of diverse gender identities. By analyzing existing laws, regulations, and case law, the paper explores the complexities surrounding the practice of menstrual tracking and calls for more inclusive and equitable sports policies. Additionally, it addresses gaps in privacy protections under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, emphasizing the need for updated regulations to safeguard students’ health-related data in digital environments.

Sampling and recruiting LGBTQ+ populations in health research: reflections on community consultations about antibiotic resistant STIs

ABSTRACT In this paper, we explore negotiations around sexuality and gender diverse identities together with sexual practices, and the materialities of bodies, as they relate to the sampling and recruitment of LGBTQ+ participants in health social science research. The basis of our research note is a reflection on our experiences of undertaking a study on the social dimensions of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the context of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We aimed to identify tensions and important considerations in the sampling and recruitment of LGBTQ+ populations in health and social science research. Recognising the fluidity and diversity of gender and sexuality, the multiple meanings attached to them, and the proliferation of gender and sexuality identifiers, we argue for the critical importance of reflexivity in curating a sampling frame, which is respectful of LGBTQ+ diversity. This contributes to the growing body of work that reflects on how to develop meaningful and informed approaches to do research with LGBTQ+ populations. We do this by complicating the often-linear presentation of sampling and recruitment processes within scholarly research.

A Community-Engaged Research Study to Inform Tailored Programming for Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Screening Among At-Risk LGBTQ+ Elders.

Purpose. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, with most cases attributable to cigarette smoking. Many communities within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) umbrella have high rates of smoking, but focused lung cancer prevention is limited. Our objective was to utilize a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to guide the development of a program focused on lung cancer prevention in LGBTQ+ elders. Methods. Through community partnerships, we recruited participants who self-identified as LGBTQ+ and were eligible for lung cancer screening (LCS) to participate in semi-structured qualitative discussions with complementary surveys. Qualitative guides were developed to collect data on determinants of smoking cessation and LCS and to elicit feedback on interventions to support lung cancer prevention through a tailored approach to patient navigation. Qualitative data were analyzed using rapid templated analysis to elucidate themes. Results. The 21 enrolled participants had diverse sexual and gender identities and 57% were of minoritized race/ethnicity. Most (81%) had experience with smoking cessation but few (10%) had undergone LCS. Overall themes suggest interest in personalized (to individuals), tailored (to the LGBTQ+ community) and integrated longitudinal programs to support lung cancer prevention. Themes suggest strong endorsement of focused messaging to LGBTQ+ persons and reducing stigma related to LGBTQ+ identity and smoking. Conclusions. Themes highlight the need for integrated tobacco and LCS programming which can provide longitudinal support, and ideally, center community settings and peer support. This formative work will be utilized to adapt a patient navigation program to assist screen-eligible LGBTQ+ elders.

Processing cataphoric they amidst pronominal innovation

When they encounter a cataphoric pronoun during real-time sentence processing, the comprehender begins searching actively for a feature-matched noun that can supply its reference. The present study investigates individual variation in this active search procedure, leveraging an ongoing change in the pronoun system of North American English. The types of referents compatible with the they-series of pronouns is expanding, with an increasing number of speakers allowing definite singular referents: especially but not exclusively when referring to someone with a nonbinary gender identity. Sociolinguistic work shows that the speakers who most accept innovative usages of singular they tend to be younger, or to be non-cisgender (e.g. transgender, nonbinary). Recruiting participants representing diverse ages and gender identities, the present experiment tracked reading times of sentences involving cataphora. Results shows that cataphoric they is processed differently than cataphoric s/he, across the board. There is a significant processing cost to reading a plural noun that follows cataphoric s/he, indicating that singular cataphors evoke strong number expectations. However, the cost of reading a singular noun after they is smaller and emerges later; they seems to evoke weak number expectations. Individual differences show that those expectations are especially weak for younger participants, perhaps reflecting a higher baseline familiarity with singular they. On the other hand, course-grained gender identity (cis vs. non-cis) does not seem to be a reliable predictor of how cataphoric they is processed. Integrating insights from sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics, this study offers a novel view into ongoing language change and its manifestation in real-time processing measures.

Development of Cognitive Interpolation Intervention from Aboriginal Concepts and the Piloting Effect on Prejudice Attitudes Toward Sexual and Gender Minorities

ABSTRACT Many Africans assume the call for acceptance of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) was an imposition from the Western cultures, unknowing that the history of same-sex sexual relationships predated the invasion of the colonial masters in Africa. As such, SGM persons continue to face serious prejudice and discrimination, which has culminated in the infringement of the socio-medical, psychological, and legal rights. The study set to develop a cognitive interpolation (CI) module from the longstanding aboriginal concepts (i.e. Lakiriboto-Ălàgbedemeji) and pilot the efficacy toward prejudiced attitudes of heterosexual peoples in the Yoruba-speaking region of Nigeria. This study utilized an exploratory research design. Sixteen eligible participants aged between 19 years and 47 years (M = 31.05, SD = 08.17) were purposively selected to participate. Participants were screened for eligibility using double-standard criteria. Participants were assigned to two Focus Groups and the retrieved data were content-analyzed. The outcome revealed that heterosexual participants expressed favorable dispositions toward people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities after (RCA = +93.80%) exposure to CI intervention than before (RCA = −100%) intervention. The researcher concluded that the study provides preliminary evidence that CII is efficacious for cognitive re-orientation of prejudiced attitudes toward SGM persons and communities. Recommendations and limitations were therefore stated.

Minority stress and psychological well-being in queer populations

Queer individuals experience unique stressors related to their minority status, negatively impacting their mental health. One factor contributing to these disparities is exposure to minority stress, which involves social stressors related to minority status. Previous research has focused on the negative impacts of minority stress, with less attention to its impact on positive psychological functioning. This study explored the relationship between minority stress and psychological well-being among 270 queer individuals in German-speaking countries. Participants completed an online survey assessing minority stress and psychological well-being. Analyses of Covariance indicated that proximal factors of minority stress—such as self-stigma, concealment, and expectations of rejection—had a particularly negative impact on psychological well-being, but no effects could be found for gender and sexual orientation. Additionally, gender identity but not sexual orientation had a significant effect on minority stress, with non-binary and other gender identities reporting higher minority stress compared to females. Thematic analysis revealed concerns about survey inclusivity, gender identity challenges, and intersectionality of minority identities. Our findings emphasize the significant impact of minority stress on the psychological well-being of queer individuals, particularly non-binary people and those with diverse gender identities, while demonstrating the need for inclusive research methodologies, tailored interventions, and policies addressing the diverse experiences within the queer community.

Not Like Everybody Else but We're the Same: Psychosocial Variables Compared Across Diverse Sexual and Gender Identities.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are underrepresented in psychological research. Part of the underrepresentation of SGM people likely stems from potential participants' unwillingness to join a study, but more concerningly, researchers exclude data from SGM participants. Furthermore, much of SGM research focuses on existing health disparities and risk factors rather than wellness-framed and personality research. To fill in this gap, the current study aims to quantify effect sizes of similarities/differences across a broad range of psychosocial measures. Applying the framework of the Gender Similarities Hypothesis, we compare means, variances, and correlations across 34 psychosocial variables between categories of SGM, gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status, and monogamy (N = 1743). Data was collected online mainly through paid ads on Instagram. Consistently, we find largely similarities across gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship structure categories. These results support a general expectation that similarities are more common than differences in normative psychological domains, although clear differences in means and variances exist for specific experiences and outcomes. This work informs the inclusion of diverse identities in basic psychological research and further speaks to the generalizability of past findings to populations historically underrepresented in psychological science.

Trans and gender diverse identities in adolescent health research: making the most of imperfect data

Advancing adolescent health research necessitates deliberate design and analysis that accurately captures the rapidly evolving world in which adolescents live and the ways in which they understand and express themselves...