Identifications, Treatment experiences and requests in (non-)binary trans individuals

The term ”trans” serves as an umbrella for both binary and non-binary identities within the gender identity spectrum. Traditionally, transgender healthcare (THC) has been based on a dichotomous understanding of gender and... [ view full abstract ]

The term ”trans” serves as an umbrella for both binary and non-binary identities within the gender identity spectrum. Traditionally, transgender healthcare (THC) has been based on a dichotomous understanding of gender and thus on the assumption of binary gender identities (i.e. female and male gender identity). This resulted in the expectation that all trans individuals identify as the sex opposite to their sex assigned at birth, and intend to undergo all transition-related interventions available to live in the other gender. Recently, normative expectations of two distinct genders have been heavily criticised. The existence of non-binary gender identities is increasingly recognized by academia and healthcare professionals. Non-binary individuals define themselves between the genders or outside the gender binary (e.g., genderqueer). Revisions (DSM-5: Gender Dysphoria) and drafts (ICD-11: Gender Incongruence) of diagnostic manuals have met the paradigm shift by eliminating the link between diagnosis and treatment requests existent in previous editions (e.g., ICD-10: F64.0: Transsexualism).

The present study aims to answer the following questions: (1) How do trans individuals experience their gender? (2) Which transition-related interventions do trans people use or plan to use? (3) How do (used or planned-to-use)... [ view full abstract ]

The present study aims to answer the following questions:
(1) How do trans individuals experience their gender?
(2) Which transition-related interventions do trans people use or plan to use?
(3) How do (used or planned-to-use) interventions differ between binary and non-binary trans individuals?

The data were collected in an online survey study on transgender healthcare in interdisciplinary settings. The non-clinical sample consisted of N = 415 trans-identified individuals. Taking a participatory research approach,... [ view full abstract ]

The data were collected in an online survey study on transgender healthcare in interdisciplinary settings. The non-clinical sample consisted of N = 415 trans-identified individuals. Taking a participatory research approach, the questionnaire was developed in collaboration with a working group consisting of local trans support group representatives and THC professionals.

Treatment requirements in (non-) binary trans individuals [ view full abstract ]

Treatment requirements in (non-) binary trans individuals

Participants reported a variety of both binary (81.7 %) and non-binary gender identifications (18.3 %). Both groups differed significantly regarding demographic data (e.g., mean age, 35.0 vs. 38.8, p < .05). Non-binary trans... [ view full abstract ]

Participants reported a variety of both binary (81.7 %) and non-binary gender identifications (18.3 %). Both groups differed significantly regarding demographic data (e.g., mean age, 35.0 vs. 38.8, p < .05). Non-binary trans participants reported lower rates of interventions (on average 2.0 interventions vs. 3.4 in binary individuals). In particular, they reported lower numbers of hormonal and genital surgical treatments. Non-binary trans participants also reported lower rates of planned interventions (2.1 vs. 2.6), again especially for hormonal and genital surgical treatments.

The data highlight the broad spectrum of gender identifications in trans individuals. The traditional binary-focused treatment practice may have hindered non-binary trans individuals from accessing THC and thus from realizing... [ view full abstract ]

The data highlight the broad spectrum of gender identifications in trans individuals. The traditional binary-focused treatment practice may have hindered non-binary trans individuals from accessing THC and thus from realizing individual needs. To address those needs appropriately, professionals working for transgender health are encouraged to provide both holistic and individual treatment approaches. Thereby, it is recommended to acknowledge gender identifications outside the gender binary more strongly and to critically reflect own normative expectations towards the sex/gender binary. Moreover, due to current diagnostic revisions taking a broader view on gender issues (e.g., by acknowledging identities other than male or female), the present sample is likely to predict future clinical samples regarding the prevalence of non-binary trans individuals.