Experiences of Transgender Identity in a Sample of Primarily White Binary Trans Masculine and Nonbinary Individuals

This study investigated the differences between binary and nonbinary transgender individuals' experiences of transgender identity through the Transgender Identity Survey (TIS).

Binary and nonbinary participants in the United States were recruited through social media. Despite efforts to recruit binary trans feminine individuals and People of Color, the participants in this study were primarily White binary trans masculine and nonbinary individuals. Participants completed the TIS and demographic questions online.

Four independent t-tests were conducted along the TIS subscales of passing, shame, alienation, and pride. We grouped our sample as "binary" and "nonbinary" based on participant-reported gender. After controlling for multiple comparisons, we had four main findings. First, nonbinary individuals possessed significantly less concern about passing (or being perceived) as their affirmed gender than binary individuals. Second, nonbinary individuals possessed significantly less shame than their binary counterparts. Third, we found no significant differences between binary and nonbinary participants with regard to their feelings of alienation from other transgender individuals. Fourth, nonbinary individuals possessed significantly more pride in their transgender status than binary individuals.

Our findings, which should be interpreted in light of our sample (i.e., predominantly White binary trans masculine and nonbinary people), suggest that the current standard of care (medical transition) for transgender individuals may not account for the needs of the nonbinary community. Furthermore, concepts of passing and shame may be more nuanced for nonbinary people and warrant future research. Transgender individuals experiencing distress associated with their transgender status may benefit from psychological care aimed at building community resources.