Exploring gender diversity: New questionnaire proposal

Over recent years there has been an increase in the number of young people whose identity does not fit into the (societal) binary male or female perspective. There are currently some questionnaires that look at gender identity... [ view full abstract ]

Over recent years there has been an increase in the number of young people whose identity does not fit into the (societal) binary male or female perspective. There are currently some questionnaires that look at gender identity and expression from a binary perspective (Zucker et. al., 2006; Deogracias et. al., 2007). Yet no formal tools presently exist for assessing the wide range of gender identities that young people might experience. Therefore, we decided to develop a new questionnaire, which will offer further insight into the diversity of gender identification of young people including non-binary identities.

The aim for developing this questionnaire was to capture what proportion of young people who come into the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) identify within a binary construct of gender compared to how many identify... [ view full abstract ]

The aim for developing this questionnaire was to capture what proportion of young people who come into the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) identify within a binary construct of gender compared to how many identify outside a binary construct of gender and how greater diversity in identification may increase with age. The aim for this talk is to review the process of developing our new Gender Diversity Questionnaire and to share our preliminary findings.

Firstly, the questionnaire had been reviewed by service users, stakeholders, clinicians and professionals working in closely linked gender–support groups. It was important to obtain feedback from multiple perspectives to... [ view full abstract ]

Firstly, the questionnaire had been reviewed by service users, stakeholders, clinicians and professionals working in closely linked gender–support groups. It was important to obtain feedback from multiple perspectives to ensure that the questionnaire was useful for both clinical and research purposes, that it enabled the young people to self define and the language employed was respectful, validating and clear.
Secondly, a pilot study was conducted within GIDS. The questionnaire was handed out as part of our standard assessment questionnaire-pack for 12-18 year olds. The first 200 questionnaires which have been returned were analysed. The range of self-reported identities were identified and categorised. Possible differences found between age and assigned sex at birth were reported.

For this talk we will review the process of developing our Gender Diversity Questionnaire. In the process of developing this tool, we distinguished three main topics: Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Social Gender.... [ view full abstract ]

For this talk we will review the process of developing our Gender Diversity Questionnaire. In the process of developing this tool, we distinguished three main topics: Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Social Gender. Firstly, we wanted to explore how young people identify themselves. Secondly, we wanted to investigate if we could identify factors which were important for young people in expressing their gender. And third, we wanted to know how young people experience being perceived by strangers and how important this was for them. Additionally we will share the findings that we have retrieved from our questionnaire data.

Preliminary outcomes (N=66 questionnaires so far) of our pilot study show that 9% of the total sample identify as non-binary; 56% identify as Trans; and 30% identify with the “binary-opposite” gender to what they were... [ view full abstract ]

Preliminary outcomes (N=66 questionnaires so far) of our pilot study show that 9% of the total sample identify as non-binary; 56% identify as Trans; and 30% identify with the “binary-opposite” gender to what they were assigned to at birth. No significant differences were found between assigned males and assigned females. Important factors that relate to expressing gender include: Fashion, Name, Binding, Hair and Body Language.

There is a need for a new tool to assess young people’s diverse gender identifications. By developing this questionnaire, we are able to offer further insight about how many young people identify within the binary and how... [ view full abstract ]

There is a need for a new tool to assess young people’s diverse gender identifications. By developing this questionnaire, we are able to offer further insight about how many young people identify within the binary and how many are coming off the binary perspective within our service. We are also able to identify factors which are important for young people in expressing their gender, and whether these factors are influenced by variables such as age, identified gender or assigned gender at birth.