Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Sociology

College

College of Science

First Advisor

Jason T. Eastman

Second Advisor

Louis E. Keiner

Abstract/Description

This study assessed gender and racial/ethnic differences in gender-related discrimination and psychological distress within a sample of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Prior research suggests transgender individuals with multiple minority statuses experience higher psychological stress than their singly disadvantaged counterparts, and both minority race/ethnicity and transgender minorities experience more frequent and severe forms of discrimination than white and cisgender individuals. Using data from a convenience sample of 101 self-identified transgender and gender nonconforming adults recruited through LGBTQ+ organizations from across North America, I analyzed the relationship between race/ethnicity, gender-related minority stress, and psychological distress. Gender-related discrimination and gender-related victimization did not significantly differ by gender identity or race/ethnicity. However, racial/ethnic minorities reported significantly higher psychological distress than white participants. While being a racial/ethnic minority may not directly worsen one's experiences with gender-related discrimination and victimization, other factors, such as experiences with race related discrimination, may contribute to disparities in mental health.

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