Transphobic victimisation and perceptions of future risk: a large-scale study of the experiences of trans people in the UK

Abstract

Due to perceived non-conformity to conventional constructions of gender, trans people may be subject to overt victimisation (e.g. physical or sexual violence; verbal abuse) and as a result of those experiences (actual or ‘witnessed’) may fear future victimisation. While some existing works report levels of transphobic victimisation, there is a dearth of research on perceived risk; and more importantly, exploring group differences in actual victimisation and perceived risk. Drawing on survey responses from 660 trans people, the current study sets out to explore levels of victimisation, perceived risk of victimisation, and group differences (gender identity; stage of transition) in both these phenomena. Findings show that congruent with work on systematic oppression and minority stress, perceived risk of victimisation outstrips actual experiences. Almost no group differences were found on a basis of gender identity. Conversely, those currently undergoing a process (or part of a process) of gender reassignment or transition were significantly more likely to report having been victimised, and to perceive themselves at risk of future victimisation than those at any other stage of transition. That levels of perceived risk outstripped actual experiences of victimisation suggests that, in a culture that privileges cis-gender experiences, isolated experiences of victimisation invoke a heightened sense of fear in members of the wider trans community. These findings suggest that there is a pressing need for dedicated support services for trans people; especially those who are going through a process of transitioning.

Keywords:

• transphobia
• trans
• victimisation
• social inclusion
• gender prejudice

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Scottish Transgender Alliance for partially funding this project. We would also like to thank the large number of trans people who generously gave of their time to complete our extensive survey in order to share their experiences with us. Thanks also to the anonymous reviewers whose extensive feedback on earlier drafts of our paper was invaluable in helping us develop our thinking.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. People whose gender identity and expression are typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.

2. Whilst we recognise that referring to transition as a process does not necessarily reflect the experiences of all trans people, and that even the concept of transition is itself open for discussion, we have referred to it as a process herein to reflect the language that we used in questions that were asked of participants.

Additional information

Funding

This project was partially funded by the Scottish Transgender Alliance.

Notes on contributors

Sonja J. Ellis

Sonja J. Ellis is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors, Brisbane, Australia. She is a social psychologist with interests in gender, sexuality and mental health; and has published widely on issues around lesbian and gay equality as well as mental health and wellbeing in the trans population.

Louis Bailey

Dr Louis Bailey is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Health and Population Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull. He specialises in trans health in relation to life course, ageing and end of life. His research explores the cumulative impact of health and social inequalities on marginalised and minority populations as well as the interaction of gender identity, disembodiment and (social) death.

Jay McNeil

Jay McNeil is a Trainee Clinical Psychologist (Lancaster University), and an independent researcher. He has interests in Health Psychology, and Trans Mental Health and Health Inequalities. He has worked with a number of organisations tasked with improving the health and wellbeing of transgender people through direct work within the trans communities, and through working strategically via research and training.