Shanna K. Kattari

Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Subsequent Police Reporting Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adults in Colorado Comparing Rates of Cisgender and Transgender Victimization

Research indicates that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are at high risk of victimization by others and that transgender individuals may be at even higher risk than their cisgender LGBQ peers. In examining partner violence in particular, extant literature suggests that LGBTQ individuals are at equal or higher risk of partner violence victimization compared with their heterosexual peers. As opposed to sexual orientation, there is little research on gender identity and partner violence within the LGBTQ literature. In the current study, the authors investigated intimate partner violence (IPV) in a large sample of LGBTQ adults (N = 1,139) to determine lifetime prevalence and police reporting in both cisgender and transgender individuals. Results show that more than one fifth of all participants ever experienced partner violence, with transgender participants demonstrating significantly higher rates than their cisgender peers. Implications focus on the use of inclusive language as well as future research and practice with LGBTQ IPV victims.

Differences Across Age Groups in Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People’s Experiences of Health Care Discrimination, Harassment, and Victimization

Objective: Given the increasing diversity among older adults and changes in health policy, knowledge is needed on potential barriers to health care for transgender and gender non-conforming (GNC) individuals. Method: Using the 2010 National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), logistic regression models test differences between age groups (below 35, 35-49, 50-64, and 65 and above) in lifetime experience of anti-transgender discrimination, harassment, and victimization within health care settings while considering the influences of insurance status, level of passing, time of transition, and other socio-demographic factors. Results: Although more than one fifth of transgender and GNC individuals of all ages reported health discrimination, harassment, or victimization, significant age differences were found. Insurance status and level of passing were also influential. Discussion: Medicare policy changes and this study’s findings prompt further consideration for revising other health insurance policies. In addition, expanded cultural competency trainings that are specific to transgender and GNC individuals are crucial.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Experiences of Discrimination in Accessing Health Services Among Transgender People in the United States

ABSTRACT Transgender/gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals experience discrimination at high rates, including 19% in one study who reported having been refused medical care based on the their transgender/GNC identity. These individuals may also experience a lack of respect from medical personnel, a dearth of culturally competent knowledge and medical information around their medical needs, and concerns with safety when accessing medical care. Additionally, people of color experience higher levels of discrimination in health care than their White counterparts. This study examines the prevalence of discrimination faced by transgender/GNC people and compares by race/ethnicity those rates of discrimination when accessing medical services such as emergency rooms, doctors/hospitals, and ambulances/emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Data indicate that while a significant number of transgender/GNC individuals of all races/ethnicities experience discrimination based on transgender/GNC identity, when accessing medical services, transgender/GNC people of color experience higher levels of antitransgender discrimination, including in emergency rooms (χ2[1, N = 6,454] = 31.018, p < .001), with doctors/hospitals (χ2[1, N = 6,454] = 32.831, p < .001), and with ambulances/EMTs (χ2[1, N = 6,454] = 40.523, p < .001). Significant differences by region were found regarding discrimination when individuals attempted access to doctors/hospitals, (χ2[1, n = 4,823] = 20.72, p ≤ .001). Implications of the findings and future research are suggested.

Policing Gender Through Housing and Employment Discrimination: Comparison of Discrimination Experiences of Transgender and Cisgender LGBQ Individuals

Objective: Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community experience higher rates of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. However, little is known about how rates of discrimination differ among all members of the LGBTQ community. This article examines the prevalence of and factors associated with experiences of discrimination for cisgender LGBQ individuals and those who identify as transgender. Method: Rates of discrimination in housing and in employment were compared among 3,838 transgender and cisgender LGBQ individuals using self-reported data collected in online surveys. Results: Transgender individuals experience a higher frequency of discrimination related to housing and employment than cisgender participants. Factors associated with experiencing discrimination include gender identity; length of time being out, that is, openly disclosing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity; age; and race. Conclusions: Results suggest that social workers, educators, and other human service professionals be aware of and actively work against transphobic policies and actions that affect the quality of life for transgender individuals beyond the already increased discrimination risks faced by the LGBTQ community.

Sexual victimization and subsequent police reporting by gender identity among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer adults

Prevalence of sexual victimization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons is frequently found to be higher than the prevalence reported by their heterosexual peers. Transgender individuals are often included solely as part of larger LGBTQ research samples, potentially obfuscating differences between sexual orientation and gender identity. In this study, the authors examined sexual assault/rape in a large convenience sample of LGBTQ adults (N = 1,124) by respondents’ gender identity (cisgender, transgender) to determine whether differences exist in lifetime prevalence of sexual assault/rape and subsequent police reporting. Findings indicate transgender individuals report having experienced sexual assault/rape more than twice as frequently as cisgender LGBQ individuals. Authors found no statistically significant difference in reporting sexual violence to police. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Conforming for survival: Associations between transgender visual conformity/passing and homelessness experiences

ABSTRACT Transgender/gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals face widespread discrimination and harassment, and are frequently victims of transphobic acts of violence. Furthermore, transgender/GNC individuals are twice as likely to experience homelessness as other members of the at-large population. This study uses a national survey (N = 6,456) to examine, specifically among transgender/GNC individuals, relationships between homelessness experiences and visual conformity/passing, and how this populations shelter-based experiences may differ based on the level to which an individual visually conforms. Results suggest that lower visual conformity/passing is positively associated with homelessness as well as negative experiences incurred while accessing shelters. Social service implications are subsequently discussed.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Experiences of Discrimination in Accessing Social Services Among Transgender/Gender-Nonconforming People

ABSTRACT Members of the transgender/gender-nonconforming (GNC) community experience higher rates of discrimination based on their gender compared to their cisgender counterparts. Similarly, people of color experience higher rates of discrimination than White people. This study examines the difference in experiences of discrimination among transgender/GNC individuals in accessing social services providers by race/ethnicity (White and people of color). The data collected in a national cross-sectional survey (N = 6,451) and analyzed via chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression demonstrate the disproportionate prevalence of discrimination based on race/ethnicity within the transgender/GNC population when accessing social services such as drug treatment centers, mental health clinics, domestic violence shelters, and rape crisis centers. Social workers are the most common provider of social services to the community, and have an ethical commitment to provision of services without discrimination. High rates of discrimination in accessing social services among transgender/GNC people, with even higher rates of discrimination for transgender/GNC people of color, highlight the need for improvement in social work education and practice.

Exploring the relationship between transgender-inclusive providers and mental health outcomes among transgender/gender variant people

ABSTRACT Using a statewide survey of transgender and gender variant individuals (N = 417), this study examines the association between having a transgender-inclusive provider and three mental health concerns: current experience of depression, lifetime experience of anxiety disorder, and suicidality within the last year. Findings suggest that having a transgender-inclusive provider is associated with decreased rates of depression and suicidality, but not with lifetime experience of having anxiety. Implications for future research and education of providers are discussed.

On the Margins of Marginalized: Transgender Homelessness and Survival Sex

Transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals experience homelessness at higher rates compared to the broader population, with many directly attributing homelessness to their transgender/GNC identities. Homeless individuals often engage in survival sex in exchange for food, housing, and other basic necessities. Few research efforts, however, have examined survival sex specifically among homeless transgender/GNC populations. Utilizing the 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey (N = 6,454), this exploratory study analyzes relationships between homelessness and survival sex among transgender/GNC individuals. Results suggest these individuals experience homelessness at high rates, and their engagement in survival sex is associated with homelessness. Implications for social work are subsequently discussed.

Exploring U.S. Social Work Students’ Sexual Attitudes and Abortion Viewpoints

Social workers frequently engage with sexual and reproductive health topics, yet a notable paucity of social work research exists regarding abortion. Informed by overlapping theoretical frameworks of human rights and reproductive justice, this study examined a large, nationwide survey of social work students in the United States (N = 504). Linear regressions indicated that students’ endorsements of permissive sexual attitudes and support for birth control are inversely associated with holding anti-choice abortion views. Moreover, distinct relationships were found among sociodemographic characteristics and abortion attitudes and knowledge, suggesting that social work education efforts regarding contentious reproductive and sexual health topics should also focus on nuances of cultural competence and diversity, as well as general human rights principles and professional ethics.