Transgender And Gender Nonconforming Individuals Research Articles

Enhancing Workplace Inclusivity for TGNC (Transgender/Nonconforming) Communities: “A Path to Psychological-Safety”

Discrimination against transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals remains apervasive issue, significantly impacting their psychological safety and overall well-being. This marginalisedcommunity faces an array of challenges, including experiencing homelessness, poverty, and harassment, whichare interconnected and, to a considerable extent, a consequence of systemic discrimination. Studies by Tebbeet al. (2019) reveal that the TGNC community grapples with disproportionately high rates of homelessness,poverty, and harassment, thus highlighting the systemic nature of the challenges they confront. Workplacediscrimination within the TGNC community extends across a spectrum, impacting individuals’ authenticity andpotential for forced engagement in underground economy work to offset poverty, including survival sex workand drug dealing (Par & Howe, 2020). Workplace discrimination is a pivotal determinant of psychological safety and well-being for TGNC individuals.Frazier et al. (2017) emphasise the critical importance of preventing discrimination and conflict in theworkplace, which contributes to negative mental health outcomes. The consequences of discrimination areprofound. A significant portion of the TGNC community reports a history of suicidal ideation, ranging from 45%to 77% (Testa et al., 2017). Promoting psychological safety and well-being for this marginalised community isnot only a moral imperative, but also a pathway to fostering more prosperous and inclusive societies. Thisresearch utilises a qualitative methodology, through semi-structured interviews among diverse genderidentities. By exploring the lived experiences of TGNC individuals in the workplace, this study uncovers theimpact of discrimination on psychological well-being. The results of the findings demonstrate how to improvethe psychological-safety of gender-diverse communities through

Fantasy Worlds, Real-Life Impact: The Benefits of RPGs for Transgender Identity Exploration

ABSTRACT The current research explored the influences of role-playing video games (RPGs) on the development of gender identity among transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals. In Study 1 (N = 10), we used a Consensual Qualitative Research approach to interview TGNC individuals and identify common themes regarding the perceived impact of RPGs on gender identity development. TGNC individuals highlighted the influence of character customization, exploration, and the function of RPGs as safe spaces. In Study 2 (N = 100), we quantitatively explored the influence of RPG avatar customization on TGNC gender identity development. Although avatar customization was not associated with gender identity commitment, those playing RPGs with highly customizable avatars were more likely to report an impact of RPGs on their gender identity development. Content analyses reinforced Study 1 findings, indicating that RPGs, especially those with customizable avatars, can shape the gender identity journey for TGNC individuals.

Mental health changes in partners of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals as a result of partner gender transition: What about me?

Purpose Research on the psychosocial impact of gender transitioning on partners of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals is scarce in the literature. Here, we assessed mental health in partners of TGNC individuals. Methods Anonymous surveys were administered via Amazon Mturk. Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years with a partner who transitioned genders. Relationship satisfaction and mental health were assessed via perceived changes, Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR), Resilience Scale, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-5). Multivariable linear regression assessed associations between relationship satisfaction and type of partner transitioning. Results Of the 337 study respondents, 42.4% were assigned male, 57.6% assigned female (43.9% identify as male; 55.8% as female) and 1.76% nonbinary, with a mean age of 35.8. 44.4% had partners who are transgender women, while a third (36.8%) had partners who are transgender men, 7.7% from assigned male to nonbinary, and 11.2% from assigned female to nonbinary. Most (72.4%) partners underwent surgical transitioning (15.1% top surgery; 5.6% bottom; 51.6% both) versus 27.6% non-surgical transitioning. PHQ-8, SEAR, confidence, self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, and resilience scores were higher among respondents whose partners underwent surgical transitioning (p < 0.001). SEAR scores differed significantly among participants whose partners underwent top only versus bottom only surgery (p = 0.004). Conclusion Partner mental health and relationship satisfaction were most impacted by surgical transitioning of their TGNC partner. Supportive services for partners of TGNC individuals during the transition process to protect these romantic relationships should be considered.

Migration, Exploitation, and Human Trafficking Among High-Risk Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals in Cape Town: A Case Study

ABSTRACT Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals and migrants are at risk for human trafficking, yet patterns of migration and exploitation among TGNC individuals are not well documented. This case study examined the experiences of migration and exploitation in a subsample of 27 TGNC individuals from a larger study of 665 high-risk adults in Cape Town, South Africa. The main variables of analysis are derived from a version of the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool, which includes quantitative and qualitative responses. Twenty-six participants (96%) reported at least one potential indicator of exploitation in their lifetime. In the past 12 months, ten participants indicated that someone had withheld payments from them or taken the payment they should have been paid. Half (n=13) of the South African born participants discussed internal migration in their qualitative responses without migration specific prompting. Participants described difficult lives that included childhood abuse, unstable housing, economic marginalization, internal migration, and elements of labor and sexual exploitation – much of which was driven by transphobic and intersectional discrimination and stigma. Our findings shed light on the vulnerability of TGNC individuals and emphasize the need to include TGNC voices in all research and interventions addressing human trafficking.

Association Between Perceived Stress and Salivary Biomarkers of Allostatic Load Among Gender Minorities in Chennai: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Transgender individuals in India experience immense psychosocial stressors, stigma, and violence. In response to stress, the body exhibits adaptive responses that necessitate the production of organic chemicals ensuing in the detection of blood serum and saliva.There are currently no laboratory tests that are confirmatory for the diagnosis of stress and facilitate necessary treatment to be carried out in a timely manner. Thus, potential salivary biomarkers could be a helpful tool in overseeing the efficacy of pharmacological treatment prescribed by a psychiatrist. Aim This study aimed to assess the correlation between perceived stress and salivary stress biomarker levels in transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals in Chennai, India. Methodology Twenty-two TGNC individuals and 22 age-matched controls in Chennai were administered the Perceived Stress Scale-10 questionnaire. Following this, their saliva samples were collected using the passive drool technique and subjected to sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique for measuring salivary cortisol, salivary tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and salivary C-reactive protein (CRP). Independent t-test was used to compare salivary stress biomarker levels between the TGNC and age-matched control groups. Pearson's correlation test was done to correlate perceived stress and salivary stress biomarker levels in the TGNC group. Results Significant difference was seen between the TGNC and control groups with respect to salivary cortisol and salivary TNF-alpha levels, with the levels being higher in the TGNC group. A significant positive correlation was seen between perceived stress and salivary cortisol and between perceived stress and salivary TNF-alpha levels. Conclusion There is a significant correlation between perceived stress and salivary biomarkers of stress among TGNC people in Chennai.

Centering Transgender And Gender Non-conforming Experience, Access, & Safety in Ecological Fieldwork.

Efforts to make ecological sciences more diverse, equitable, and inclusive require us to identify who is being left out and take action to rectify harmful situations. Recruitment of trainees from underrepresented groups alone is insufficient without ensuring a safe and supportive environment where we can flourish. Fieldwork is a critical component and often a requirement for career advancement in ecological sciences, but for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGnC) individuals, it can be disproportionately harmful. TGnC individuals face barriers and gendered violence before, during, and after fieldwork, and our experiences are often lost in current discussions of underrepresented groups in the field. In this article, I discuss the importance of an intersectional framework that focuses on planning, open communication, and trust, to address both the barriers TGnC trainees' experience with travel, accommodations, and access to medical care, along with their experiences of perceived and actual violence by colleagues and strangers. Additionally, I propose direct actions that those in power, such as Principal Investigators, field station managers, and mentors, can take to ensure a safe and welcoming fieldwork environment that supports TGnC trainees' physical, emotional, and professional well-being.

Mental Health Disparities Among Cisgender, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming College Students in the United States

Compared to cisgender men and women, transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals receive very littl.e attention on their experiences related to mental health. This study examines gender differences in mental health-related outcomes and their relationship to mental illness diagnoses, psychological service utilization, help-seeking attitudes, and overall health among students attending universities in the United States. A survey of 1,034 college students indicated psychological health significantly varied by gender such that mental health-related outcomes, mental illness diagnoses, and psychological service utilization were worse for TGNC individuals than for cisgender women or men. These healthcare outcomes were also reported to be worse for cisgender women than for cisgender men, except for resilience, loneliness, and overall health, for which TGNC participants reported worse outcomes, but cisgender men and women did not differ. Implications for mental health counselors and recommendations for future research are provided.

Analysis of Psychiatric Symptoms and Suicide Risk Among Younger Adults in China by Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

Younger adults in China who are transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) experience high levels of minority stress (eg, stigma and bullying) and adverse mental health symptoms. However, there is a lack of research documenting mental health disparities compared with their cisgender and heterosexual peers. Studies that disaggregate TGNC and LGB individuals and are conducted in nonmetropolitan regions are also needed. To examine whether younger adult students' psychiatric symptoms and suicide risk vary by sexual orientation and gender identity and identify risk factors within LGB younger adults and TGNC younger adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed students at 63 universities in Jilin Province, China, between October 24 and November 18, 2021. Analyses were completed May 6, 2022. Gender identity (TGNC vs cisgender) and sexual orientation (LGB vs heterosexual). Psychiatric outcomes included depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Trauma Screening Questionnaire, and self-reported NSSI behaviors. The Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised was used to assess suicide risk. The analytic sample included 89 342 younger adults (mean [SD] age, 19.60 [1.75] years), including 51 438 assigned female at birth and 37 904 assigned male at birth. The sample included 2352 individuals who were TGNC, 6501 who were cisgender LGB, and 80 489 who were cisgender heterosexual. Compared with their cisgender heterosexual peers, TGNC and LGB younger adults were more likely to experience increased psychiatric symptoms across categories and suicide risk, as well as more severe forms of symptoms. In particular, overall suicide risk was 43.03% among TGNC individuals, 36.21% among LGB individuals, and 11.70% among cisgender heterosexual younger adults. Controlling for demographic variables and compared with cisgender heterosexual peers, TGNC young adults had higher odds of suicide risk (adjusted odds ratio, 5.38; 95% CI, 4.94-5.86; P < .001) and of past-year NSSI (adjusted odds ratio, 6.55; 95% CI, 5.87-7.30; P < .001). Separate within-group analyses for LGB and TGNC younger adults highlighted the vulnerability of bisexual women and gender nonbinary groups, as well as the relevance of minority stress-related risk factors, including peer bullying and assault and loneliness. This study noted disparities of mental health issues among LGB, transgender, or queer or questioning younger adults in China and suggests a high urgency to address psychological health and prevent suicide in this population. Targeted public health initiatives may be needed to reduce stigma and discrimination, train competent health care professionals, and create affirmative mental health policies and systems of care.

Gender Diversity Cultural Responsiveness Education in Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs: A Pilot Survey

Purpose: Gender-affirming voice therapy aims to align a person’s voice and communication with their gender identity. Historically, transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals have been marginalized and continue to face significant healthcare disparities. The goal of this research was to examine the self-perceived preparedness of recent speech-language pathology (SLP) graduates for working with TGNC clients. A survey was developed to include both multiple choice and open-ended questions. Topics included graduate-level training on working with TGNC individuals, perceived preparedness to work with this client population, educational resources sought by respondents, and suggested improvements for SLP graduate programs. Thirty recent (since 2016) SLP graduates completed the survey anonymously. Although a majority (83%) of respondents reported that working with TGNC clients was addressed in their graduate education, 66% of respondents felt that instruction time spent on this topic was insufficient or slightly insufficient. Those who had clinical experiences with TGNC clients, or who learned from the perspectives of the TGNC community (e.g., from a guest speaker or video), reported that their graduate education better prepared them to work with TGNC clients. One of the most common recommendations to improve graduate education was to invite TGNC speakers to share their experiences. The majority of respondents identified a need for improvement of gender diversity education in SLP graduate programs. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of different curricula in increasing the knowledge and skills of SLP graduates specific to TGNC clients to ensure clinical competency and equitable care.

Comparing Psychotropic Medication Prescriptions for Inpatient Transgender and Cisgender Adolescents

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) adolescents, defined as individuals whose gender identity does not align with sex assigned at birth, are at higher risk for mental and physical health complications and disparities compared to cisgender adolescents.1 TGNC individuals report negative healthcare experiences which can lead to avoidance of further medical care. Examples include use of wrong pronouns (misgendering), not calling patients by their updated name (deadnaming), being treated as an investigation instead of as human (probing), provider-imposed barriers to care (gatekeeping), and stigmatizing stances such as feeling unwelcomed by the provider.2 Additionally, studies reveal higher rates of suicide behaviors in TGNC compared to cisgender adolescents.3

Community-Academic Partnerships: Addressing Health Inequities Through Community-Engaged Service Learning.

In Chicago, Black men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals experience higher rates of HIV diagnoses. The Southside of Chicago has a thriving house ball culture powered by MSM and TGNC individuals who are disproportionately impacted by HIV. While this community has a history of facilitating health promotion at their events, gaps exist in community-empowered education specific to this community. Through partnership between nursing students from University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and leaders from the Southside Health Advocacy Resource Partnership (SHARP) and the University of Chicago Center for HIV Elimination (CCHE), we aimed to reduce health disparities experienced by the Black MSM/TGNC community in Chicago. We promoted COVID-19 vaccinations and obtained funding for a community-led project to reduce HIV-related stigma. Our team consisted of two community leaders, seven students, and two professors. We met weekly during the development stages and detailed notes were maintained by students and updated with next steps. Four months of collaboration demonstrated how nursing coursework can facilitate community-academic partnership and yielded a COVID-19 viral vaccination promotion video, community administration of vaccines, and SHARP's procurement of funding to implement a project to reduce HIV-related stigma. Students learned the importance of community leaders' presence when bringing health care to communities. Community leaders learned to communicate population needs and best utilize students as a resource. Enriching nursing curriculum using an integrated service-learning format offers the opportunity for student development while simultaneously serving the community.

Spiritual support of transgender individuals: a literature review

Spiritual support has been a staple of healthcare before hospitals in western civilizations were established by communities of faith. Research has demonstrated that wellbeing is associated with balanced care for the body, mind, and spirit. Healthcare disparities are being identified as disproportionally impacting transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. The root cause of this disparity is being studied as are medical and wellbeing interventions, including the benefit of spiritual support. This author’s objective was two-fold. First, to identify opportunities for extending spiritual support to TGNC individuals in healthcare by chaplains. Secondly, to identify evidence of current spiritual support advocacy initiatives and interventions for TGNC patients in healthcare by chaplains.

Identity-Related Factors Protect Well-Being Against Stigma for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People

Relatively little is known about identity-related resilience factors associated with well-being among transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people. Drawing upon theory on stigma-related stress and resilience and work examining group identification as a buffer against discrimination, the aim of the current study was to model perceived discrimination, transgender identification, and gender identity affirmation as predictors of well-being for TGNC people. We also tested whether the positive association between gender identity affirmation and well-being might be explained by the benefits affirmation has for individual self-concept clarity. Participants were 105 TGNC individuals (42% transgender male, 39% transgender female, 19% other gender non-conforming [e.g., non-binary]) recruited through online forums and support groups in the UK and North America who completed an online survey including self-report measures of key constructs. Results from structural equation models demonstrated that: (1) experiences of discrimination were associated with lower well-being overall, but having a stronger transgender identity moderated this association; (2) after adjustment for discrimination and transgender identification, experiences of gender identity affirmation were independently associated with greater well-being for TGNC people. Secondary analyses demonstrated that gender identity affirmation was linked to well-being through reinforcing a strong, internalized sense of clarity about individual self-concept. Results are discussed in terms of the implications for TGNC health and well-being, particularly with regard to the need for supportive, identity-affirming social environments.

A-11 The Neuropsychological Impact of Gender Affirming Treatments: A Systematic Review

Abstract Objective Currently, there is strong evidence to demonstrate neuroanatomical changes in transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) adults following gender-affirming hormonal therapy (GHT). However, there has been no systematic review of the literature pertaining to GHTs’ neuronal effects. Such a review would help develop consensus within neuropsychology regarding standards of assessment with TGNC individuals. Data Selection Studies were only included if they assessed neuropsychological or neuroanatomical brain structure changes or functioning following GHT in the TGNC population. Search terms such as “neuropsychology” and “transgender” were entered in Medline, PsychINFO, and ProQuest. The 24 qualifying studies’ methodological and outcome data were critically reviewed by both researchers to reduce bias. Data Synthesis Neuroanatomical changes within the subcortical structures are found in TGNC individuals who received GHT over a longer duration. Current guidelines and recommendations do not consider the age of transition, dosage, and duration of GHT when interpreting neurocognitive data of TGNC patients; thus, it can lead to validity issues when selecting appropriate norms and interpreting neurocognitive domains with expected sex differences (i.e., visual, verbal, motor). Conclusion The literature review results indicate a paucity of guidelines and analysis related to the ethical practice of neuropsychological evaluation for TGNC individuals. Moving forward, guidelines need to be developed surrounding the age of transition, dosage, and duration of GHT when interpreting brain-behavior relationships on neuropsychological assessments.

Gender Identity Milestones, Minority Stress and Mental Health in Three Generational Cohorts of Italian Binary and Nonbinary Transgender People.

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people experience high rates of minority stress and associated risk for negative health outcomes. However, during the last years, significant positive socio-cultural changes have happened, and younger cohorts of TGNC individuals are having diverse experiences compared to older cohorts. By integrating the minority stress theory and the life course perspective, this cross-sectional, web-based study aimed to explore in 197 Italian TGNC people aged 18 to 54 years (M = 29.82, SD = 9.64) whether the average ages of gender identity milestones (i.e., first insights about being TGNC, self-labeling as a TGNC person, and coming out), minority stress, and mental health vary among three generational cohorts (i.e., Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X). Compared with older cohorts, younger participants: (a) were more likely to be in the trans-masculine spectrum; (b) self-labeled as TGNC and came out earlier; (c) had more negative expectations and lower levels of disclosure; and (d) had higher levels of mental health problems. No generational differences related to first insights about being TGNC and distal minority stressors were found. Furthermore, compared with binary individuals, participants with a non-binary identity: (a) reported later ages for the gender identity milestones; (b) had higher negative expectations; and (c) had higher levels of mental health problems. Overall, our findings indicated that changes in the social environments have a limited impact on stigmatization processes and mental health of Italian TGNC people.

Training Mental Health Professionals in Gender-Affirming Care: A Survey of Experienced Clinicians.

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals have difficulty accessing mental health professionals (MHPs) prepared to deliver culturally informed care. This study aims to (1) explore the training experiences that had been available to MHPs who are actively providing care to TGNC individuals, (2) define which opportunities had been most beneficial in TGNC career development, and (3) determine the reasons MHPs sought training when it was absent in graduate curricula. A voluntary cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed through professional Listservs and public referral lists to interdisciplinary MHPs, who self-identified as having experience in providing care to TGNC individuals. Two hundred eighty-one (n=281) counselors, marriage/family therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, or psychiatric nurse practitioners responded to the survey. The two most common motivators for seeking training in gender-affirming care were filling a need in the community (68.8%) and having met a TGNC person in a clinical setting, who requested care (67.2%). Only 20.0% of our sample were exposed to relevant content in a graduate course, and 25.2% during clinical training. The most commonly available training opportunities were professional conferences (76.4%) and mentorship (41.2%). Respondents were most likely to recommend that others in their field be trained through structured clinical experience. This study identifies key strategies for graduate and post-graduate educators to better prepare MHPs to serve TGNC individuals. Wider availability of structured clinical experiences, didactic content delivered during graduate school or at professional conferences, and direct clinical mentorship will increase access to welcome and prepared mental health care providers for the TGNC population.

Sex, Genes, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Call for a Gender Inclusive Approach to the Study of TBI in the Lab.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and moribundity in the United States (Bruns and Hauser, 2003; Corrigan et al., 2010). A number of factors including sex influence TBI clinical outcome. Both clinical and lab studies show a clear influence of sex on TBI outcome. However, whether this is mediated by hormones, genes, or both is still under debate (Gupte et al., 2019; Ma et al., 2019; Mikolic et al., 2020). The majority of research focuses on factors of endogenous hormone signaling (release and reception) in natal males (Slewa-Younan et al., 2004; Dubal et al., 2006; Herson et al., 2009; Griesbach et al., 2015; Clevenger et al., 2018; Mollayeva et al., 2018; Spani et al., 2018; Ma et al., 2019). This excludes natal females and both males and females taking exogenous hormones for hormone replacement (HRT) or cross sex hormone therapy (CSHT) as part of a gender confirming therapy (Mollayeva et al., 2018; Spani et al., 2018; Ma et al., 2019; Giordano et al., 2020; Biegon, 2021). While transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals make up 0.3–0.5% of the global population, they are affected by violence at higher rates compared to cisgender individuals (Jauk, 2013). Despite these higher rates of violence and increased risk of TBI, the TGNC population remains understudied in the TBI field (Safer et al., 2016). This bias extends to healthcare settings where many TGNC individuals face significant barriers to obtaining high-quality, compassionate medical care at primary care facilities, especially in emergency rooms, where most TBIs are diagnosed (Sanchez et al., 2009; Porter et al., 2016; Reisner et al., 2016; Safer et al., 2016; Dickey and Singh, 2017). Research regarding transgender health has dramatically increased, yet there is still significant room for improvement as TGNC individuals are at an increased risk for several health issues (Reisner et al., 2016; Ackerley et al., 2019; Neblett and Hipp, 2019; Yeung et al., 2019; Wiepjes et al., 2020). A gender inclusive approach in biomedical research is vital to our understanding and treatment of TBI. The aim of this paper is to call upon lab-based investigators to approach the study of TBI and also biomedical research in a gender inclusive manner.

Authenticating and Legitimizing Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Identities Online: A Discourse Analysis

The number of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) individuals who are presenting for counseling is increasing; yet counselors receive little to no exposure to gender-diversity throughout their education and training. TGNC individuals have reported receiving discriminatory experiences within therapy and ineffectual outcomes. Consistent with social-justice practice, knowledge of how clients understand themselves is necessary to enhance the outcomes of counseling. A key resource TGNC individuals are using to engage in identity exploration is online communities. We applied discourse analysis to analyze the talk and text of three such online communities, and explored: “How do self-identifying TGNC individuals construct their identity when they discuss their related experiences online?” We identified that individuals made sense of their identity using three discourses: (a) felt sense, (b) authenticity, and (c) legitimacy. Individuals constructed their identity using linguistic resources to resist systemic oppression and claim their identities as valid and real. We offer suggestions for infusing this insight into trans-affirmative practice.

Together we stand, resilient we stay : The effect of minority stress and resilience on transgender mental health

IntroductionPrejudice, stigmatization and discrimination behaviors causes social stress and lead vulnerability to mental and physical health problems in Transgender and Gender Nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. The prevalence of mental disorders that can be associated with “minority group stress”, especially major depression and anxiety disorders, are known to be higher in the TGNC group in comparison to general population.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to reveal the impact of minority stress on TGNC individuals’ mental health. Resilience factors like gender identity pride, social support, community connectedness expected to diminish the negative impact of stigmatization and discrimination.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 48 volunteered participants who consulted to Psychiatry Department for gender transition process. After semi-structured interview, applicants were given Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Scale-Turkish Form (GMSR-Tr), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).ResultsAnalysis revealed a negative correlation between the stress subscales of GMSR-Tr scale and BDI (p&lt; .001; rs= .727), BAI (p&lt; .001; rs= .649), PSS (p&lt; .001; rs= .671). For psychological resilience, the strongest positive relationship was found with the community connectedness subscale (p&lt; .001; rs= .864); the strongest negative relationship was observed with the internalized transphobia subscale (p&lt; .001; rs= .750).ConclusionsOur study presented the importance of internalized transphobia and protective effect of resilience factors for mental health outcomes of TGNC individuals exposed to minority stress. The depression, anxiety and stress scores decreases with increasing psychological resilience.

Psychoeducational Assessment of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming (TGNC) Individuals: Recommendations for Best Practices

This article addresses the need to support and advocate for students identifying as transgender/gender nonconforming (TGNC). As school psychologists, the standards and practices as outlined by the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association emphasize the respect and protection of people of all ethnicities, cultural background, creeds, gender identity and how they identify themselves as people. School psychologists work to engage and advocate ranging from an individual student to helping evaluate and transform delivery of services, including assessment, systemically, such as schools and training programs. The authors have reviewed literature and advocacy resources in identifying the roles of school psychologists in this role of advocacy. The authors describe the intersection of person, all the confluences of what becomes that person, and society. The referral for assessment and the assessment, itself, is often the start of the school psychologist’s interactions with the students with whom they engage and support in the school setting. The intention of this article is to convey resources, provide professional context, and start a list of resources to support, at times evaluate needs, and to advocate for their needs. The issue, as stated, is not having TGNC individuals educate the professionals on who they are but for the school psychologists to develop an understanding of this aspect of the human experience as children, neighbors, partners, and a continuum of humanity.