Trans/ Gender Diverse Experiences with Discrimination Worry and Actions Taken to Cope

Findings from a U.S. Survey of Transgender/Gender Diverse Adults: Experiencing Discrimination Worry in Daily Life and Actions Taken to Cope.

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Finding Our Strength Survey

Led by transgender/gender diverse community researchers, Finding Our Strength explores the daily experiences and resilience of our community. Learn more about the landmark survey that established Transcend the Binary’s community-led methodology for research and program development. 

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Key Insights from the Report

Discover the impact of discrimination worry on the U.S. transgender/gender diverse community and the coping strategies individuals use.

Discrimination Worry

Discrimination worry is pervasive across all settings studied.

Health Associations

Discrimination worry is assoicated with greater anxiety and lower self-reported health. Low family support was also correlated with anxiety, depression, and lower self-reported health.

Coping Responses

Individuals use both active and passive coping responses to discrimination worry. Blending active and passive, or predominantly active responses, was associated with more positive health status. 

Gender Affirmation

Taking steps to affirm ones gender was assoicated with more positive health status. 

Gender Journey

This is your journey and no one is allowed to say you are doing it wrong

Most gender journeys began during childhood, with early adulthood being a transformative time. Most (94%) respondents indicated they were open to others about their authentic gender, and 70% indicated that they had initiated medicines or medical interventions to affirm their gender. However, the remarkable diversity in gender journeys is evident in the broad age ranges reported for each event.

Median Age At Selected Gender Events

Median Age (Years) Age Range (Years)
Felt different than others in some way (n = 303) 6 2-58
Identified as transgender (n = 305) 18 2-60
Open to others about authentic gender (n = 297) 21 2-63
My family is willing to help me make decisions (n = 310) 26 11-54

*Responses such as “as long as I can remember” coded as age 2

Mind-Body Congruence

About one-third of respondents felt that their appearance synced with their gender identity while 25% felt their mind synced with their body. Only 19% felt comfortable that their physical body represented their gender identity.

Degree of Comfort with Mind-Body Congruence Items by Percentage of Respondents

Not at all Somewhat comfortable Comfortable Very comfortable
My appearance is in sync with my gender identity (n = 312) 17% 46% 25% 12%
My physical body represents my gender identity (n = 313) 41% 41% 14% 5%
My mind and body are in sync (n = 312) 33% 41% 15% 10%

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Discover the comprehensive findings of the Finding Our Strength survey. Download the full report to explore key insights and data that can drive positive change in healthcare for transgender and gender diverse communities.

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