Being Transgender: Effects on sex atypicality and well-being

The present research is split into two studies. Study 1 investigated the effect of sexual orientation and being transgender or cisgender on sex atypicality. Sex atypicality refers to behaving in a way that is not typical for one’s birth sex. People who are cisgender, and lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), are more sex atypical than those who are heterosexual. Less is known about the sex atypicality of transgender groups, particularly in comparison to cisgender populations. In this study, sex atypicality was measured through observer ratings of participant photographs, and self-report. It was predicted that sexual orientation, and being transgender or cisgender, would significantly affect sex atypicality. The results partially supported this. Transgender participants were rated, and reported, as being highest in sex atypicality. This difference between cisgender and transgender participants was found to emerge as early as 2 years old. However, consistent significant effects of sexual orientation were not found. Study 2 compared the well-being of cisgender and transgender groups, and the effect of sex atypicality on their well-being. LGBT populations have, on average, lower well-being than non-LGBT people. Less is known about how LGBT populations compare to each other, for example, how do cisgender non-straight people compare to transgender groups? Furthermore, sex atypicality negatively affects the well-being of homosexual cisgender men, and women, but this has not been investigated in transgender people. Study 2 predicted that (1) well-being would to be lowest in transgender participants, and lower in cisgender sexual minorities, than cisgender heterosexual people; and (2) higher sex atypicality would have a negative effect on well-being, particularly for minority groups. Prediction (1) was partially supported, with transgender participants having the lowest well-being than cisgender, however, differences in their sexual orientation had no robust effects on their well-being. Prediction (2) was partially supported also, with higher sex atypicality correlating with lower well-being for some groups, but not particularly so for minority groups including transgender participants.