Group differences in gender expression discrimination and depressive and anxiety symptoms among transgender and gender-expansive adults: The role of gender identity pride

Abstract

Despite established associations between discrimination and mental health, little research has focused on gender expression discrimination and integrated individual strengths such as transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) identity pride. This study examined the roles of gender expression discrimination and pride in mental health among TGE adults across gender identity, race, and class. A national sample of TGE adults (N = 212) completed online measures assessing gender identity, race, income, gender expression-related discrimination, TGE identity pride, and depression and anxiety symptoms. Gender expression discrimination was positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), higher income, transfeminine participants reported more gender expression discrimination. High TGE identity pride buffered the association between gender expression discrimination and depression—most robustly for BIPOC, lower income, transfeminine participants. TGE identity pride may buffer the effects of gender expression discrimination on depression. Intersectionality in case formulation and treatment planning with TGE individuals is vital.