Under-Representation of Transgender Identities in Research: The Limitations of Traditional Quantitative Survey Data

Research indicates that the portrayal and representation of transgender individuals within society, or lack thereof, impact the way in which they are able to reconcile their gender identity. Quantitative research methodology often requires that participants select one identity label from a limited list for each identity characteristic (e.g., race, sexual orientation, and relationship status). The process of choosing from limited items that do not represent one's identities limits our understanding of the nuances of identity and may create minority stress for the participant.

This study included 325 diverse transgender adults who participated in a national anonymous online survey as part of a broader study focused on minority stress and mental health. Participants answered questions about gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, race, and religion, and were given the option to select multiple response options and to write in additional identities that were not listed.

Descriptive results indicated that 95 unique gender identities written in were not captured by the 14 gender labels provided, over 43% of participants selected multiple sexual orientations, and participants wrote in additional options for every identity variable.

The nuance of transgender identities may not be adequately captured by standard demographic research methodologies and research would benefit from ongoing revision of demographic response options informed by the literature. Through the process of acknowledging and validating less visible identities, transgender individuals will be better represented and understood by researchers.