Detectability and perceptions of a transsexual: implications for therapy

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Transsexual individuals often prioritize successful social integration, termed "passing."
• Societal acceptance is a significant concern for transsexuals navigating non-transgender environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors influencing the detectability of a male transsexual in a social context.
• To explore perceptions of femininity and happiness in relation to transsexual identification.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-one undergraduates viewed a video of five cisgender females and one male transsexual discussing interracial dating.
• Participants were divided into experimental (informed of transsexual presence) and control groups.
• Post-viewing, participants attempted to identify the transsexual, and attribute ratings were collected.

Main Results:

• Experimental subjects, aware of the transsexual's presence, identified her significantly more often than control subjects.
• Detection was correlated with perceived femininity and happiness of the transsexual individual.
• Subjective reports indicated specific cues used for identification.

Conclusions:

• Perceived femininity and happiness are key factors in the social detection of male transsexuals.
• Findings suggest potential therapeutic interventions to aid transsexuals in minimizing detectability.
• Understanding these perceptions can inform strategies for enhancing social integration and acceptance.