Nonbinary Individuals Research Articles

Gender-affirming endocrine care for youth with a nonbinary gender identity.

Nonbinary individuals, or those who identify outside of the traditional gender binary, are currently present in up to 9% of the general population of youth or up to 55% of gender-diverse youth. Despite the high numbers of nonbinary individuals, this population continues to experience barriers to healthcare due to providers' inability to see beyond the transgender binary and lack of competence in providing nonbinary care. In this narrative review, we discuss using embodiment goals to individualize care of nonbinary individuals, and review hormonal and nonhormonal treatment options for gender affirmation. Hormonal treatments include those often used in binary transgender individuals, such as testosterone, estradiol, and anti-androgens, but with adjustments to dosing or timeline to best meet a nonbinary individual's embodiment goals. Less commonly used medications such as selective estrogen receptor antagonists are also discussed. For nonhormonal options, alterations in gender expression such as chest binding, tucking and packing genitalia, and voice training may be beneficial, as well as gender-affirming surgeries. Many of these treatments lack research specific to nonbinary individuals and especially nonbinary youth, and future research is needed to ensure safety and efficacy of gender-affirming care in this population.

Abstract B006: How should providers communicate around cervical cancer screening with LGBTQIA+ individuals with a cervix? “Be real, be caring…and actually listen to me”

Abstract Introduction: Sexual and gender minorities, referred to here as LGBTQIA+ individuals, experience several barriers to healthcare, including: discrimination from healthcare providers based on their sexual orientation, historical and systematic stigmatization from the healthcare community, and a lack of understanding around gender-based healthcare concerns from their providers. Such structural barriers have been understudied when considering cancer prevention interventions, such as vaccinations or screening. Most importantly, there is limited research on how best to promote the uptake of these interventions among the LGBTQIA+ community while addressing these barriers in healthcare. This study explored provider-related communications around cervical cancer screening for LGBTQIA+ individuals with a cervix. Methods: Using social media and outreach through community partners, we recruited 22 participants from New Mexico’s LGBTQIA+ community and conducted five discussions in two online formats (an itracks discussion board and a zoom video call) with the following groups: (1) lesbians; (2) bisexual and non-binary individuals; and (3) transgender and genderqueer individuals. Discussions focused on preventive health care and cervical cancer screening. Each discussion was audio recorded and transcribed. Study team members used a grounded theory approach to identify emergent themes. Results: Of the 22 participants, most were in the 31-40-year age group and nine (40%) participants identified as either Hispanic or African American. Almost 80% said they had a primary care provider, and all but two participants had screened for cervical cancer. In analyzing their experience around cervical cancer screening, three key themes emerged. First, many participants acknowledged that cervical cancer screening tests are effective and an important prevention tool for reducing their risk from cancer, often reasoned through cancer experiences of their family and friends. Second, several participants noted uninformed, insensitive, and awkward experiences around cervical health. Participants recounted providers who told them that they “didn’t need screening as I was only sleeping with other women” or “every time I go to a provider, I have to explain what queer is” or providers making “inappropriate comments about my sex life.” Finally, participants noted that although the screening procedure can be “physically unpleasant,” having providers that acknowledge the discomfort, actively empathize with patients, ensure they are “feeling safe and having a comfortable space”, and give patients some control during the screening procedure (i.e., allowing patient to insert the speculum themselves or using different sized speculums) could reduce the barriers towards improving cervical cancer screenings. Conclusion: Study analyses reveal the need for supplementing ongoing provider trainings around sexual and gender minority health with specific information around cervical health, to reduce the misinformation and anxiety experienced by many LGBTQIA+ members in the community. Citation Format: Prajakta Adsul, Kendal Jacobson, Joe Rodman. How should providers communicate around cervical cancer screening with LGBTQIA+ individuals with a cervix? “Be real, be caring…and actually listen to me” [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B006.

Abstract A097: Examining differences based on gender and sexual orientation for cervical cancer screening and prevention behaviors

Abstract Background Population-based studies to examine cervical cancer screening and prevention among sexual and gender diverse (SGD) individuals have been limited. We conducted a state-wide survey in New Mexico (NM) to examine differences in cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination uptake based on gender and sexual orientation. Methods The survey was advertised using mailed flyers, social media, and targeted internet ads across the state. We received a total of 2534 responses, of which 797 respondents were cervical cancer screening eligible (i.e., between 21-65 years old, had a cervix, and did not have a prior cervical cancer diagnosis) and provided information about cervical cancer screening and were included in this analysis. Descriptive statistics were conducted using SAS 9.4. Results Of the 797 respondents, 83% were 21 - 40 years old, 44% were white, 34% reported an annual household income below $50,000, 83% were employed, 81% had health insurance, and 73% reported having a primary care provider. Fourteen percent were transgender men or nonbinary, 86% were cisgender women, 34% were bisexual, 48% were lesbian, and 18% were queer. While there were no statistical differences in self-reported cervical cancer screening based on gender identity, 31% of cisgender women and 25% of transgender men and nonbinary individuals reported never receiving a Pap test. The top reason for never receiving a Pap test among cisgender women was that their healthcare provider told them they did not need it (17%) and for transgender men and nonbinary individuals the top reasons were that they had an HPV vaccine (21%) or that it was too painful, unpleasant, or embarrassing (21%). There were significant statistical differences based on sexual orientation for receiving a Pap test (p<0.001) and for being up to date on screening (Pap test in the past 3 years, a co-test, or primary HPV test in the past 5 years) (p=0.03). Among lesbians, 39% reported never having a Pap test, compared with 17% of bisexuals and 30% of queer individuals. For lesbians, the top reason for not receiving a Pap test was not knowing that Pap tests existed (19%), while the top reason for both bisexual and queer individuals was that their healthcare provider told them they did not need it (17% and 19%, respectively). No significant differences were noted in HPV vaccination uptake among respondents. Conclusions In order to address sexual orientation differences noted in our study, future research is needed to explore mechanisms through which these differences operate using community-based approaches. Additionally, educational interventions inclusive of different gender identities and sexual orientations are needed to improve motivations for screening uptake among SGD individuals. Finally, specific considerations for SGD individuals should be incorporated into screening recommendations and guidelines and clearly communicated to providers, further enabling them to make recommendations for these populations. Citation Format: Prajakta Adsul, Deborah Kanda, Emily Wu, Molly McClain, Vernon Shane Pankratz, Shiraz Mishra, Bernard Tawfik, Uma Nair, Tamara Stimatze, Purnima Madhivanan, Miria Kano. Examining differences based on gender and sexual orientation for cervical cancer screening and prevention behaviors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A097.

The Intersection of Stress, Health, and Health Care Opportunities for Appalachian Transgender and Nonbinary People: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Transgender or nonbinary (TNB) individuals in the United States South experience higher rates of physical and mental health disparities when compared to their cisgender counterparts. Societal, interpersonal, and individual stigmas contribute to these disparities by increasing the levels of stress in the TNB population, which is a primary factor in higher morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of research examining the impact of these stigmas on health through the lived experiences of TNB people living in Appalachia. An interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) research design was used to collect and analyze semi-structured interviews with TNB individuals living in Appalachia. Transcribed interviews were analyzed repeatedly by two analysts to identify emergent themes which focused on understanding an individual's lived experiences through interpretation. Ten participants from four Appalachian states within three Appalachian sub-regions participated in this study. Three shared healthcare themes were identified: experiences of stigma related to gender, the impact of stigma on personal wellbeing and perception of health, and the need for affirming TNB healthcare services. Respondents noted that chronic stress factors such as continual and compounding experiences of stigma and discrimination, stemming from religion or lack of affirming providers, negatively impacted their health. TNB individuals living in Appalachia experience chronic societal, interpersonal, and individual stressors that negatively impact their health. By addressing the stigmas, public health leaders, policymakers, and providers can improve access to health care and the health and quality of life of Appalachian TNB people.

A Descriptive Account of the Practicum Experiences of Trans and Nonbinary Social Work Students

Current anti-transgender legislative activity necessitates social workers take action in solidarity with transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals and communities. Pervasive discrimination and marginalization of TNB people across multiple public domains, including education, is irrefutable (James et al, 2016). Social work education is no exception. Not only is there a documented lack of affirming educational and practicum opportunities for TNB social work students (Austin et al., 2016), social work students also report being ill-prepared to practice with TNB individuals and communities (Craig et al., 2015). Social workers are ethically obligated by their professional identification to demonstrate competency related to service provision with marginalized individuals and groups and to confront oppression and foster social justice, including related to gender identity (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2021). Yet, social work educational settings must first reckon with their own cisnormativity and anti-trans bias. Scant research has explored the experiences of TNB social work students, particularly during the practicum experience, termed social work’s “signature pedagogy” (Council on Social Work Edu- cation [CSWE] Educational Policy 3.3, 2022). This paper reports on part of a multi-phase project examining TNB social work students' practicum education experiences.

Intonation Parameters in Gender Diverse People

Although intonation is often addressed in speech training for gender diverse individuals, the relationship between intonation and femininity/masculinity ratings remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine differences in intonation parameters in gender diverse individuals. Moreover, the relationship between acoustic intonation parameters and femininity/masculinity ratings was investigated. Speech samples of semistructured speech were elicited from cisgender (cis) (107 ciswomen, 104 cis men), transgender (trans) (19 trans women, 10 trans men), and non-binary (n=11) individuals using a prosody protocol. An objective acoustic analysis was performed to compare intonation parameters (upward/downward/flat intonation shift, general and final intonation shift, general fundamental frequency range, fundamental frequency variation index) between groups. In addition, a listening experiment was conducted, consisting of a cis and gender diverse listening panel (n=41). The listeners were asked to rate the femininity/masculinity of speech samples (n=57) using a visual analogue scale. Correlational analyses were used to examine the relationship between intonation parameters and femininity/masculinity ratings. Similarity was found in the intonation parameters of participants with a similar gender identity. In non-binary speakers, no significant differences in acoustic intonation parameters were found between these speakers and the cisgender speakers. In addition, no significant correlations were found between the acoustic intonation parameters and the femininity/masculinity ratings in the groups with cis men, cis women, and non-binary participants. However, moderate to strong significant correlations were found between acoustic intonation parameters and femininity/masculinity ratings in the trans participants. Intonation is a "speech marker" that distinguishes between groups with a different gender identity. No relationship was observed between intonation and femininity/masculinity ratings for cisgender and non-binary speakers. However, the significant relationship between these parameters for transgender participants (trans men and trans women) provides evidence for intonation exercises in gender affirming voice, speech, and communication training, and therefore contribute to evidence-based intonation training in transgender persons.

Integrating menstrual health

Menstruation is a natural and important part of the reproductive cycle, approximately half of the human population has or will experience it. Menstrual Health (MH) is an integral part of sexual and reproductive health. MH is essential for the health, mobility, education, economic empowerment, and dignity of girls, women, and people who menstruate. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health delivery systems on a scale that has ushered in a new world. The year 2020 brought unprecedented disruption and change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting various aspects of people's lives worldwide, including MH management. Lockdown, restrictions, and disruptions in health delivery systems have posed challenges for women, girls, and gender non-binary individuals. This lack of access has particularly affected girls' education and perpetuated chronic poverty. To create a dignified, empowering, safe, and healthy menstrual experience, it is crucial to address the gaps in information, resources, services, and products. This is especially important for individuals facing intersecting layers of discrimination and those living in humanitarian settings, informal settlements, or those on the move. By understanding and addressing the structure of menstrual health challenges, comprehensive and effective solutions are developed that promote menstrual health, gender equality, and overall well-being.

Examining the prevalence of trans phantoms among transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse individuals: An exploratory study

Background Trans phantoms are bodily sensations of gendered body parts that a person was not born with (i.e., a phantom penis experienced by a trans man, or a phantom vagina experienced by a trans woman). This is distinct from the experience of many transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people, who experience awareness of their bodies as missing a gendered body part, or configuration, which is a major characteristic of gender dysphoria. Aims Our purpose was to gain greater understanding of the prevalence and quality of trans phantoms. Methods Data was gathered through a brief, online survey on trans embodiment. Respondents who had both completed the survey, and were deemed appropriate for inclusion in the study, based on their survey responses, comprised our sample of 1,446 adults. Results Results indicated that trans phantoms are a typical embodied experience of TGD people. Almost 50% of study participants reported experiencing a trans phantom, most of whom also reported feeling erotic sensation in their phantom. Conclusions Though the phenomenon of trans phantoms is not universal, it is clearly one that warrants further study.

Gender confirmation hormonal treatment use in young Polish transgender binary and non-binary persons.

Gender confirmation hormonal treatment (GCHT) is a cornerstone of medical treatments for persistent gender dysphoria, which is expected and required by many transgender binary and non-binary individuals. Many protocols have been published, and the qualification process is guided by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care. The standards and other documents such as the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline provide gender confirmation hormonal care also for minors. However, the issue of starting these treatments in younger populations is still marked by controversy. This preliminary study aimed to inquire into GCHT (medications used, timing of its initiation, its tolerance, and sources of information on the treatment) in a convenience sample of young Polish transgender binary and non-binary persons. A total of 166 adult transgender participants answered our online questionnaire between November 2020 and December 2021. The population was divided into 2 groups: assigned male at birth (AMB, n = 37) and assigned female at birth (AFB, n = 126). Subsequently, division into binary and non-binary was applied to these groups. Most patients (91.9% AMB and 92.2% AFB) did not use gender confirmation medical treatments before the age of 18 years. The most common medication used for GCHT before the age of 18 was cyproterone acetate for AMB and testosterone for AFB. When asked about their opinion on the timing (age) of initiating GCHT, 73.1% of the AMB and 59.2% of the AFB participants shared the view that it had been initiated much too late. By far the most common source of information on GCHT and gender confirmation surgery (GCS) was the Internet (92.2%). These treatments (including pubertal blocking) seem to be rarely commenced in Poland before the age of 18 years. In adults, treatment consists mostly of either testosterone or oestradiol, and cyproterone acetate and, more seldom, spironolactone are used as antiandrogens in persons assigned male at birth. In turn, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are barely used at all. Specialists need to be more aware that withholding treatment in minors with gender dysphoria is not a health-neutral option. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists should also be more often considered as an alternative to cyproterone acetate in the context of long-term safety.

Validation of Lund University Sexual Harassment Inventory (LUSHI)—A Proposed Instrument for Assessing Sexual Harassment among University Employees and Students

The objective was to investigate the validity and reliability of a new instrument assessing sexual harassment at a public university in Sweden. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions resulted in a 10-item instrument, the 'Lund University Sexual Harassment Inventory' (LUSHI). A survey was sent to all staff, including PhD students, and students, with a response rate of 33% (n = 2736) and 32% (n = 9667), respectively. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha statistics were applied. Having experienced one or more of 10 specific behaviors was defined as sexual harassment exposure and was reported by 17.1% of staff/PhD students and 21.1% of students. Exploratory factor analysis yielded two factors with Eigenvalues above 1, labeled 'unwanted sexual attention of soliciting type' and 'unwanted sexual attention of non-soliciting type'. Rape/attempted rape fell outside of the two factors. The Cronbach's alpha values of the original 10-item scale and of the two newly formed scales were 0.80, 0.80, and 0.66, respectively. The mentioned statistics were markedly similar among men, women, and non-binary individuals and between staff/PhD students and students. We conclude that the 10-item instrument could be used for assessing sexual harassment in university settings or any type of workplace.

100. Differences in influenza vaccination by gender identity and state-level gender equity policies: Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2015-2019

Abstract Background It is estimated that 1.4 million people identify as transgender and over 700,000 people identify as non-binary in the United States, many of whom face significant health disparities impacting health care access. Although previous studies have reported greater vaccine uptake in women compared to men, national-level estimates of influenza vaccine uptake among transgender and non-binary people are unknown. This study aims to characterize differences in influenza vaccination by gender identity and examine associations between vaccination status and state-based gender equality policies. Methods We used cross-sectional data from adults aged 18 and older who participated in the 2015-2019 United States Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System surveys. Weighted prevalence differences (PDs) and associated confidence intervals (CIs) of being unvaccinated against influenza by self-reported gender identity were estimated using generalized linear regression models. We identified state policies on gender identity (Figure 1) as a potential effect modifier a priori and assessed through stratification. Figure 1.U.S. states implementing the SOGI module in Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System between 2015-2019, classified as having restrictive versus protective policies on gender equality (N = 38) Results A total of 1,016,012 individuals met the inclusion criteria. Compared to cisgender women (unvaccinated prevalence=57.3%), the prevalence of being unvaccinated was significantly higher among cisgender men (64.4%; PD=7.0 per 100, 95% CI: 6.7-7.4), transgender women (65.4%; PD=8.1 per 100, 95% CI: 4.0-12.2), transgender men (64.6%; PD=7.3 per 100, 95% CI: 2.7-11.8), and non-binary individuals (64.6%; PD=7.2 per 100, 95% CI: 1.3-13.2). This pattern was similar among individuals living in protective states with more favorable gender-related policies compared to restrictive states with less favorable policies (Figure 2). Figure 2.Weighted prevalence of U.S. adults unvaccinated against influenza by gender identity, Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System, 2015-2019 Conclusion Our results provide evidence of a disparity in influenza vaccine uptake by gender identity. To improve vaccine uptake among transgender and non-binary individuals, future research should focus on identifying barriers to and facilitators of vaccination by gender identity. These findings could be used to inform policies and public health interventions to improve vaccine uptake co-designed and implemented in partnership with the transgender and non-binary communities. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Sociodemographic Patterns in Retrospective Sexual Orientation Identity and Attraction Change in the Sexual Orientation Fluidity in Youth Study

PurposeThis study examined sociodemographic patterns of retrospective fluidity in sexual orientation identity (i.e., any change from one identity to another) and attractions (i.e., any change in attractions to one or more gender(s)) in a large sample of US youth. MethodsParticipants were 4,087 youth (58% cisgender girls/women, 38% cisgender boys/men, 5% transgender or nonbinary individuals), ages 14–25 years, from across the United States, who were recruited from an online survey panel. Sexual and gender minorities and people of color were oversampled. Participants completed the Wave 1 survey of the longitudinal Sexual Orientation Fluidity in Youth study, which assessed sociodemographic characteristics and retrospective fluidity in sexual orientation identity and attractions. ResultsAcross the sample, 17% reported a retrospective change in identity and 33% reported a change in attractions. Participants who were most likely to report identity change were in the younger age group (14–17 years), were transgender or nonbinary, had a plurisexual identity (pansexual, queer), and reported attractions to more than one gender. Participants who were most likely to report attraction change were nonbinary, had a plurisexual identity (pansexual, queer, bisexual), and reported attractions to more than one gender. DiscussionThis study found retrospective changes in sexual orientation identity and attractions were common in this sample of youth, with the prevalence of these changes differing by sociodemographic characteristics. Results from this study inform future research on adolescent health and have implications for supporting and caring for this age group, for whom sexual fluidity is common.

Intricate Realities: Mental Health among Trans, Nonbinary, and Gender Diverse College Students

The rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation have all increased among U.S. college students. The utilization of mental health services has also risen. Transgender/gender diverse (TGD) young people experience high rates of mental health concerns. Little is known regarding TGD students needing mental health services, if they are accessing them, and the differences in who accesses these services. This pilot study (N = 121), conducted online from 2021 to 2022, explores the mental health of the TGD students and the mental health services at a Midwest public university. Of the total sample, 68.1% described their mental health as being fair or poor. Disabled students were significantly more likely to self-report a negative mental health status (76.7%) than their non-disabled peers (58.9%). Nonbinary individuals were also significantly more likely to indicate negative mental health (79.5%) than their binary counterparts (47.6%). Notably, 6.6% of students with current depression diagnoses, 7.1% with current anxiety diagnoses, 11.8% with recent thoughts of NSSI, and 3.3% with recent suicide attempts had not accessed mental health services. This study indicates the need for more accessible TGD affirming mental health care for TGD students, and opportunities for innovation with interventions to better support TGD college and university students.

Correction to: Prospective relationships between stigma, mental health, and resilience in a multi-city cohort of transgender and nonbinary individuals in the United States, 2016–2019

Correction to: Prospective relationships between stigma, mental health, and resilience in a multi-city cohort of transgender and nonbinary individuals in the United States, 2016–2019

“It’s just not comfortable to exist in a body”: Transgender/gender nonbinary individuals’ experiences of body and eating distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The collective trauma of COVID-19 has had a negative impact on people's experiences of their bodies and eating, as demonstrated by studies showing increased disordered eating and body dissatisfaction during this time. The pandemic has also been shown to have had a unique and disproportionate impact on transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals (e.g., lost gender affirming care access, elevated levels of job loss). Given that TGNB individuals already face increased risk of body distress and disordered eating compared to cisgender individuals in a nonpandemic context and have been disproportionately impacted by contextual changes with COVID-19, it is likely that the pandemic has had a distinct impact on TGNB individuals' experiences of body and eating distress. The present study aims to understand these impacts through an inductive, reflexive thematic qualitative approach. Participants were 13 TGNB individuals (10/13 gender nonbinary/gender queer;8/13 White). They completed semistructured audio interviews about their broad experiences of body and eating during COVID-19, as well as how they understood changes across domains of family, community, access to resources, and intersectional identities interacting with these experiences. Themes included (a) Losing Affirming Spaces and Security, (b) Gaining Affirming and Supportive Spaces Online, (c) Reflecting on Embodied Gender and Identities, (d) Realizing New Connections and Insights, and (e) Considering the Self in Social Context. Notably, each of these themes interacted with participants' self-reported experiences of body and eating distress and, in some cases, healing. Our results illuminate risk and resilience factors and areas requiring innovation during and after COVID-19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement The current study highlights complex impacts of COVID-19 on Transgender and Nonbinary (TGNB) individuals' experiences of body and eating distress. Most participants reported increased disordered eating during COVID-19, tying these struggles to lost affirming community and financial security and increased time alone noticing gender dysphoria. Some participants reported improved disordered eating corresponding to finding affirming online spaces. Many also found time to reflect on and, in some cases, realize gender. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Monkeypox virus infection in women and non-binary people: uncommon or neglected?

Monkeypox virus infection in women and non-binary people: uncommon or neglected?

Examining the Treatment Relevance of the Approach-Avoidance Motivation Model for Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder in Women and Non-Binary Individuals

ABSTRACT Up to 8% of cisgender women meet diagnostic criteria for Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD), a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, yet treatment research for SIAD remains scarce, particularly for transgender women and non-binary individuals. The treatment relevance of the Approach-Avoidance Motivation Model for SIAD was tested in a sample of cis- and transgender women, and non-binary individuals, who either met criteria for SIAD (n = 45) or reported no sexual concerns (n = 76). Participants completed an online writing exercise previously found to increase the salience of approach or avoidance sexual motivation, or a control writing task. At baseline, and 72 hours following the writing task, they completed measures of sexual motivation, sexual desire, and partnered sexual behaviors. Participants with SIAD in the approach condition significantly increased in approach sexual motivation immediately following the manipulation but these improvements were not maintained 72 hours later. Compared to baseline, participants who wrote about an approach-motivated sexual encounter experienced a decrease in sexual desire and partnered sexual behaviors, while participants who wrote about an avoidance-motivated sexual encounter had decreased motivation but increased partnered sexual behaviors 72 hours following the manipulation. Overall, findings did not show support for the relevance of the approach-avoidance motivation manipulation for SIAD. Future studies might explore novel ways of targeting sexual motivation to address sexual difficulties.

“I’m still not sure if the eating disorder is a result of gender dysphoria”: Trans and nonbinary individuals’ descriptions of their eating and body concerns in relation to their gender.

“I’m still not sure if the eating disorder is a result of gender dysphoria”: Trans and nonbinary individuals’ descriptions of their eating and body concerns in relation to their gender.

Assimilating the Queers Ten Plus Years Later: Advertising Confronts Gender Colloquium

Abstract: University of Miami strategic communications professor Wan-Hsiu Sunny Tsai gave a plenary address at the Advertising & Society Colloquium held at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History on November 18, 2022. Tsai's talk provides updates to her 2010 Advertising & Society Review article "Assimilating the Queers: Representations of Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexual, and Transgender People in Mainstream Advertising." She discusses the changes in the representation of queer people in advertising over the past 10 years and how the political climate and demographic shifts have affected how advertisers depict LGBTQ+ individuals. Tsai also highlights the issues with the "total market" approach, the use of the buzzword "authenticity," and the lack of representation of non-binary and androgynous individuals in advertisements. The media landscape has changed in the past decade, with more representation of queer people in advertising, but Tsai points out that many representations are still often stereotypical and not reflective of the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ people.

Sexual harassment among employees and students at a large Swedish university: who are exposed, to what, by whom and where – a cross-sectional prevalence study

BackgroundSexual harassment (SH) in the workplace is prevalent and associated with poor health. Universities are large workplaces with complex formal and informal power relations, which may influence the prevalence of SH. Although employees and students share the university context, few studies on SH have included both groups. The overall aim of the study was to investigate SH among employees and students at a large Swedish public university regarding types of harassment, prevalence in different groups, characteristics of the perpetrators, and the circumstances in which it occurs.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was performed, based on a web-based survey with 120 items that was sent out to all staff, including PhD students (N = 8,238) and students (N = 30,244) in November 2019. The response rate was 33% for staff and 32% for students. Exposure to SH was defined as having experienced at least one of ten defined SH behaviors during their work or studies.ResultsAmong women, 24.5% of staff and 26.8% of students reported having been exposed to SH. The corresponding figures were 7.0% and 11.3% for male staff and students and 33.3% and 29.4% for non-binary individuals among staff and students. Unwelcome comments, suggestive looks or gestures, and ‘inadvertent’ brushing or touching were the three most common forms of reported harassment, both among staff and students. Attempted or completed rape had been experienced by 2.1% of female and 0.6% of male students. Male and female perpetrators were reported by about 80% and 15%, respectively, of exposed participants. Among staff most reported events occurred during the everyday operation of the university, while among students the majority of the events took place during social events linked to student life. When exposed to a perpetrator from the same group (staff or students), women reported more often being in a subordinate power position in relation to the perpetrator.ConclusionsThe results indicate that sexual harassment is common in the university context, and interventions and case management routines of events should consider power relations between victim and perpetrator, as well as the various contexts within which sexual harassment takes place.