"Having a non-normative body for me is about survival": Androgynous body ideal among trans and nonbinary individuals

The present study focused on trans and nonbinary (TNB) individuals who have an androgynous or non-stereotypical body ideal, with attention to how their body ideal is conceptualized and maintained. Data were collected online from 76 TNB individuals. Based on responses to two open-ended prompts, a two-tiered analysis was conducted. First, thematic analysis was used to develop four central themes describing the way TNB individuals conceptualized their androgynous body ideal: 1) Attaining Neutrality and De-Categorizing Gender; 2) Disaggregating Gender Expression; 3) Managing Gender Dysphoria; and 4) Achieving Authenticity. Second, content analysis was used to document 12 behaviors engaged in or actions taken for the purpose of approaching or maintaining an androgynous or non-stereotypical body ideal. These were grouped into 3 main categories: gender expression (clothes, hair, make-up, body modifications), body shape (weight, muscularity, eating/diet), and sex characteristics (hormone therapy, body hair, vocal, chest, genitals). Results of the present study expand the current body ideal literature by including TNB narratives and by focusing specifically on the ways an androgynous body ideal is conceptualized and maintained. Research and clinical implications are discussed.

Development of the Gender Embodiment Scale: Trans Masculine Spectrum

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people have a variety of ways of embodying their gender. We present preliminary work on The Gender Embodiment Scale for trans masculine individuals as a collaborative product from a trans-identified community-engaged team. This scale provides researchers and clinicians a survey to diversify ways gender is understood and counteracts assumptions of a singular gender experience for TGD people. This scale reflects gender embodiment as individually unique and inclusive of the body, behavior, and social treatment. Use of the scale can enhance discussion and enable assessments regarding relative importance and satisfaction across items in these domains.