Exploring the Diversity of Gender and Sexual Orientation Identities in an Online Sample of Transgender Individuals

Abstract

Although the term transgender is increasingly used to refer to those whose gender identity or expression diverges from culturally defined categories of sex and gender, less is known about the self-identities of those who fall within this category. Historically, recruitment of transgender populations has also been limited to specialized clinics and support groups. This study was conducted online, with the aim of exploring the gender identities, sexual orientation identities, and surgery and hormonal statuses of those who identify with a gender identity other than, or in addition to, that associated with their birth sex (n = 292). Genderqueer was the most commonly endorsed gender identity, and pansexual and queer were the most commonly endorsed sexual orientation identities. Participants indentified with a mean of 2.5 current gender identities, 1.4 past gender identities, and 2 past sexual orientation identities. The majority of participants either did not desire or were unsure of their desire to take hormones or undergo sexual reassignment surgery. However, birth sex and age were significant predictors of “bottom” surgery and hormone status/desire, along with several identities and orientations. This study explores explanations and implications for these patterns of identification, along with the potential distinctiveness of this sample.

Notes

Note. Gender identities not listed: agender (4), birl, boi, boigrrl, butch (2), butch dyke (2), changes a lot, dyke (3), e-male, confused, faggy punk rock boy, femme (6), femulator (feminine + emulate), FTM (female-to-male), FTM spectrum, gay male (felt as part of gender) (2), gender fluid (2), genderless, gender-neutral (2), genderqueer trans guy, I'm just me!, in between, neither, non-gendered, none, genderfucker dyke, other, pangender, queer, TG (transgender) butch, tomboy (2), trans guy/dude/boy, transman (2), transmasculine (3), and transvestite, unsure, woman.

^a Current and past gender identities are mutually exclusive (i.e., if a participant indicated that she or he currently identifies as transgender, this was not included as a past identity).

^b Since participants were allowed to select more than one gender identity, gender identities do not sum to 100%.

^c Birth sex differences were found.

^d Age differences were found.

Note. Sexual orientations not listed: bi-curious (2), both hetero male and lesbian female, dyke (4), fluid with preference for women, homoflexible (2), and investigating, pan-curious, PanDyke, pomosexual, predominantly heterosexual guy in a girl's body, queerly straight/pansexual, splice between a gay man and a slightly bi but mostly straight woman, trans-amorous.

^a Current and past gender sexual orientations are mutually exclusive.

^b Since participants were allowed to select more than one previous sexual orientation, previous sexual orientations do not sum to 100%.

^c Birth sex differences were found.

^d Age differences were found.

^a Birth sex differences were found.