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Chan RCH, Suen YT, Leung JSY. Gender identity differences in the experiences of family stressors and violence among transgender and non-binary individuals in China. FAMILY PROCESS 2024; 63:1046-1067. [PMID: 38169124 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Emerging research has demonstrated that transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals face an elevated risk of experiencing family rejection and violence. However, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding how TNB individuals manage stressors and their gender identity within the family context, particularly in regions where TNB individuals are highly stigmatized and where legal protections against family violence are lacking. The present study represents one of the first pioneering efforts to provide large-scale quantitative data examining the experiences of family stressors, the management of gender identity and expression, and family violence among TNB individuals in China. A national sample of 1063 TNB individuals in China was involved in the study. They completed questionnaires about their experiences of family stressors and violence. The results indicated that 76.0% of TNB individuals reported having encountered at least one form of violence perpetrated by their family members. Transfeminine individuals were more likely to report experiencing emotional and physical abuse, whereas transmasculine individuals were more likely to be subjected to gender identity and/or expression change efforts. Family stressors, including family non-acceptance and the pressure to marry and reproduce, were positively associated with non-disclosure of gender identity, the suppression of gender expression, and family violence. The findings underscore the substantial burden of family violence borne by TNB individuals in China, which warrants immediate legal, institutional, and social responses. Trans-inclusive family violence prevention and intervention are urgently needed, with a focus on Chinese cultural factors and gender identity differences in violence screening and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph C H Chan
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yiu Tung Suen
- Gender Studies Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Janice Sin Yu Leung
- Gender Studies Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Tran NK, Lett E, Flentje A, Ingram S, Lubensky ME, Dastur Z, Obedin-Maliver J, Lunn MR. Inequities in Conversion Practice Exposure at the Intersection of Ethnoracial and Gender Identities. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:424-434. [PMID: 38478865 PMCID: PMC10937597 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Objectives. To examine inequities in conversion practice exposure across intersections of ethnoracial groups and gender identity in the United States. Methods. Data were obtained from The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality Study of sexual and gender minority people from 2019 to 2021 (n = 9274). We considered 3 outcomes: lifetime exposure, age of first exposure, and period between first and last exposure among those exposed to conversion practices. We used log-binomial, Cox proportional hazards, and negative binomial models to examine inequities by ethnoracial groups and gender identity adjusting for confounders. We considered additive interaction. Results. Conversion practice prevalence was highest among minoritized ethnoracial transgender and nonbinary participants (TNB; 8.6%). Compared with White cisgender participants, minoritized ethnoracial TNB participants had twice the prevalence (prevalence ratio = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.62, 2.86) and risk (hazard ratio = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.51, 2.69) of conversion practice exposure. Furthermore, there was evidence of a positive additive interaction for age of first exposure. Conclusions. Minoritized ethnoracial TNB participants were most likely to recall experiencing conversion practices. Public Health Implications. Policies banning conversion practices may reduce the disproportionate burden experienced by minoritized ethnoracial TNB participants. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(4):424-434. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307580).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen K Tran
- Nguyen K. Tran, Annesa Flentje, Micah E. Lubensky, Zubin Dastur, Juno Obedin-Maliver, and Mitchell R. Lunn are with The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. Elle Lett is with the Health Systems and Population Health and the Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle. Shalonda Ingram is with the Born Brown Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Elle Lett
- Nguyen K. Tran, Annesa Flentje, Micah E. Lubensky, Zubin Dastur, Juno Obedin-Maliver, and Mitchell R. Lunn are with The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. Elle Lett is with the Health Systems and Population Health and the Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle. Shalonda Ingram is with the Born Brown Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Annesa Flentje
- Nguyen K. Tran, Annesa Flentje, Micah E. Lubensky, Zubin Dastur, Juno Obedin-Maliver, and Mitchell R. Lunn are with The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. Elle Lett is with the Health Systems and Population Health and the Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle. Shalonda Ingram is with the Born Brown Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Shalonda Ingram
- Nguyen K. Tran, Annesa Flentje, Micah E. Lubensky, Zubin Dastur, Juno Obedin-Maliver, and Mitchell R. Lunn are with The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. Elle Lett is with the Health Systems and Population Health and the Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle. Shalonda Ingram is with the Born Brown Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Micah E Lubensky
- Nguyen K. Tran, Annesa Flentje, Micah E. Lubensky, Zubin Dastur, Juno Obedin-Maliver, and Mitchell R. Lunn are with The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. Elle Lett is with the Health Systems and Population Health and the Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle. Shalonda Ingram is with the Born Brown Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Zubin Dastur
- Nguyen K. Tran, Annesa Flentje, Micah E. Lubensky, Zubin Dastur, Juno Obedin-Maliver, and Mitchell R. Lunn are with The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. Elle Lett is with the Health Systems and Population Health and the Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle. Shalonda Ingram is with the Born Brown Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Juno Obedin-Maliver
- Nguyen K. Tran, Annesa Flentje, Micah E. Lubensky, Zubin Dastur, Juno Obedin-Maliver, and Mitchell R. Lunn are with The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. Elle Lett is with the Health Systems and Population Health and the Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle. Shalonda Ingram is with the Born Brown Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Mitchell R Lunn
- Nguyen K. Tran, Annesa Flentje, Micah E. Lubensky, Zubin Dastur, Juno Obedin-Maliver, and Mitchell R. Lunn are with The PRIDE Study/PRIDEnet, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA. Elle Lett is with the Health Systems and Population Health and the Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle. Shalonda Ingram is with the Born Brown Institute, Washington, DC
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McGeorge CR, Coburn KO. "Extremely toxic and evil" reflections on gender identity change efforts by Christian religious leaders: Implications for therapy with transgender and nonbinary clients. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2024; 50:368-389. [PMID: 38450580 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Given the religious groundings that support the practice of gender identity change efforts (GICE), we sought to explore the beliefs of Christian religious leaders about this practice and their understanding of marginalized gender identities. Nineteen religious leaders mainly from diverse Mainline Christian Protestant traditions were interviewed. Queer theory-informed thematic analysis revealed two themes related to participants' beliefs about transgender and nonbinary identities: (1) Transgender and nonbinary identities are normative and authentic and (2) God created gender diversity. The analyses also highlighted two themes reflecting the pastors' beliefs about GICE: (1) GICE is harmful and (2) Therapy should affirm transgender and nonbinary identities. Finally, the thematic analysis exploring participants' messages for couple and family therapists could be organized into two themes: (1) Christian religious beliefs do not justify the use of GICE and (2) Therapists should be helpful and not harmful. Implications for couple and family therapists are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christi R McGeorge
- Human Development and Family Science Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Katelyn O Coburn
- Child, Youth & Family Studies Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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Yeung JCY, Chan RCH, Wong DCK, Yiu JHC. The Pathways to Join, Engage in, and Quit Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE): A Qualitative Study of Sexual Minority Individuals who Self-Initiated SOCE in Hong Kong. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023:1-28. [PMID: 37976201 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2279574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing recognition of their harmful effects, sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) continue to be practiced in various societies. This study examines the experiences of 11 sexual minority individuals in Hong Kong who have undergone SOCE. The findings reveal the pervasive influence of deeply ingrained homonegativity values within religious, family, educational, and soiocultural contexts during LGBTQ+ individuals' formative years. These prevailing stigmas compelled them to pursue SOCE through different methods. However, these methods have been proven ineffective and psychologically harmful, leading to increased distress and internalized homonegativity. The availability of knowledge and access to affirming LGBTQ+ values within religious, community, and sociocultural spheres played a crucial role in helping the respondents come to accept their sexual orientation and cease their attempts at SOCE. This study shed light on how the interplay of Chinese familial values and Christian doctrine in Hong Kong contributes to the promotion of homonegativity, consequently restricting the diverse expressions of sexuality. It is important to recognize that the notion of individuals actively "choosing" to undergo SOCE is misguided, as these decisions are often driven by social stigma and external pressures. Progress in this area requires confronting the systemic heteronormativity embedded within Hong Kong's cultural fabric.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Randolph C H Chan
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Tiwana A, Salway T, Schillaci-Ventura J, Watt S. Geographic distribution of conversion therapy prevalence in Canada. Findings from a national cross-sectional survey, 2020. F1000Res 2023; 12:844. [PMID: 38434633 PMCID: PMC10905130 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.134292.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conversion therapy practices (CTPs) are discredited efforts that target lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit, or other (LGBTQ2S+) people and seek to change, deny, or discourage their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of CTPs across Canadian provinces and territories and identify whether CTP bans reduce the prevalence of CTPs. METHODS We collected 119 CTPs from 31 adults (18+) in Canada who have direct experience with CTPs, know people who have gone to CTPs, or know of conversion therapy practitioners using a 2020 anonymous online survey. Mapping analysis was conducted using ArcGIS Online. CTP prevalence was compared between provinces/territories with and without bans using chi-square tests. RESULTS Three provinces and eleven municipalities had CTP bans. The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories with bans was 2.34 per 1,000,000 population (95% CI 1.65, 3.31). The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without bans was 4.13 per 1,000,000 population (95% CI 3.32, 5.14). Accounting for the underlying population, provinces/territories with the highest prevalence of CTPs per 1,000,000 population were New Brunswick (6.69), Nova Scotia (6.50), and Saskatchewan (6.37). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest only 55% of Canadians were protected under CTP bans. The prevalence of CTPs in provinces/territories without bans was 1.76 times greater than provinces/territories with bans. CTPs are occurring in most provinces/territories, with higher prevalence in the west and the Atlantic. These findings and continued efforts to monitor CTP prevalence can help inform policymakers and legislators as society is increasingly acknowledging CTPs as a threat to the health and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrit Tiwana
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Sarah Watt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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6
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Goodyear T, Delgado-Ron JA, Ashley F, Knight R, Salway T. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Change Efforts and Suicidality: Evidence, Challenges, and Future Research Directions. LGBT Health 2023; 10:339-343. [PMID: 36913530 PMCID: PMC11079439 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts (SOGIECE) aim to deny or suppress nonheterosexual and transgender identities. SOGIECE, including "conversion practices," are controversial and remain prevalent despite contemporary legislative bans and denouncement of these harmful practices from numerous health profession organizations. Recent work has questioned the validity of epidemiological studies associating SOGIECE with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. This perspective article addresses such critiques, arguing that the balance of available evidence indicates SOGIECE contribute to suicidality, while proposing methods to better account for structural context and the multitude of factors that may explain both SOGIECE attendance and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Goodyear
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
| | - J. Andrés Delgado-Ron
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Florence Ashley
- Faculty of Law and Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
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Blosnich JR, Coulter RWS, Henderson ER, Goldbach JT, Meyer IH. Correcting a False Research Narrative: A Commentary on Sullins (2022). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:885-888. [PMID: 36602658 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W 34Th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Robert W S Coulter
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Emmett R Henderson
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W 34Th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Jeremy T Goldbach
- Brown School, Washington University of St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ilan H Meyer
- The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Delgado-Ron JA, Jeyabalan T, Watt S, Black S, Gumprich M, Salway T. Sampling Sexual and Gender Minority Youth With UnACoRN (Understanding Affirming Communities, Relationships, and Networks): Lessons From a Web-Based Survey. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44175. [PMID: 36633900 PMCID: PMC9893884 DOI: 10.2196/44175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodic surveys of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations are essential for monitoring and investigating health inequities. Recent legislative efforts to ban so-called conversion therapy make it necessary to adapt youth surveys to reach a wider range of SGM populations, including those <18 years of age and those who may not adopt an explicit two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2S/LGBTQ) identity. OBJECTIVE We aimed to share our experiences in recruiting SGM youth through multiple in-person and online channels and to share lessons learned for future researchers. METHODS The Understanding Affirming Communities, Relationships, and Networks (UnACoRN) web-based survey collected anonymous data in English and French from 9679 mostly SGM respondents in the United States and Canada. Respondents were recruited from March 2022 to August 2022 using word-of-mouth referrals, leaflet distribution, bus advertisements, and paid and unpaid campaigns on social media and a pornography website. We analyzed the metadata provided by these and other online resources we used for recruitment (eg, Bitly and Qualtrics) and describe the campaign's effectiveness by recruitment venue based on calculating the cost per completed survey and other secondary metrics. RESULTS Most participants were recruited through Meta (13,741/16,533, 83.1%), mainly through Instagram; 88.96% (visitors: 14,888/18,179) of our sample reached the survey through paid advertisements. Overall, the cost per survey was lower for Meta than Pornhub or the bus advertisements. Similarly, the proportion of visitors who started the survey was higher for Meta (8492/18,179, 46.7%) than Pornhub (58/18,179, 1.02%). Our subsample of 7037 residents of Canada had a similar geographic distribution to the general population, with an average absolute difference in proportion by province or territory of 1.4% compared to the Canadian census. Our US subsample included 2521 participants from all US states and the District of Columbia. A total of CAD $8571.58 (the currency exchange rate was US $1=CAD $1.25) was spent across 4 paid recruitment channels (Facebook, Instagram, PornHub, and bus advertisements). The most cost-effective tool of recruitment was Instagram, with an average cost per completed survey of CAD $1.48. CONCLUSIONS UnACoRN recruited nearly 10,000 SGM youth in the United States and Canada, and the cost per survey was CAD $1.48. Researchers using online recruitment strategies should be aware of the differences in campaign management each website or social media platform offers and be prepared to engage with their framing (content selection and delivery) to correct any imbalances derived from it. Those who focus on SGM populations should consider how 2S/LGBTQ-oriented campaigns might deter participation from cisgender or heterosexual people or SGM people not identifying as 2S/LGBTQ, if relevant to their research design. Finally, those with limited resources may select fewer venues with lower cost per completed survey or that appeal more to their specific audience, if needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Andrés Delgado-Ron
- Reaffirm Collaborative, Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Thiyaana Jeyabalan
- Reaffirm Collaborative, Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Watt
- Reaffirm Collaborative, Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Black
- Reaffirm Collaborative, Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Martha Gumprich
- Reaffirm Collaborative, Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Reaffirm Collaborative, Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts for Young People in New Zealand: Demographics, Types of Suggesters, and Associations with Mental Health. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:149-164. [PMID: 36301377 PMCID: PMC9813061 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01693-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (SOGICE) are harmful practices, yet who suggests them to young people and what impacts are associated with these suggestions have received limited attention in the literature. The present study explored whether certain suggesters, and the frequency of categories of suggesters (including religious leaders, family members, and health professionals), were associated with suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The study also explored whether particular demographics of young people were more likely to report SOGICE experiences. Data were collected through an online survey of New Zealand gender- and sexuality-diverse youth. The sample (n = 3948) had an age range of 14-26 (mean age = 18.96), and approximately half (52.4%) were transgender or gender-diverse. Odds of suicidality and NSSI were highest when religious leaders suggested SOGICE and when more than one type of suggester was reported. SOGICE was more likely to be reported by transgender and gender-diverse youth, statutory care- and homelessness-experienced youth, and young people reporting current material deprivation. Implications for targeted mental health services and education for young people and the community are discussed.
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Kinitz DJ, Salway T. Cisheteronormativity, Conversion Therapy, and Identity Among Sexual and Gender Minority People: A Narrative Inquiry and Creative Non-fiction. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1965-1978. [PMID: 36120897 PMCID: PMC9629512 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221126536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) navigate systems of oppression that reify cisgender and heterosexual norms (cisheteronormativity) while developing their identities. 'Conversion therapy' represents a particularly prominent and harmful threat in this landscape. We explore how SGM who experienced conversion therapy develop their identities to understand antecedents to mental health struggles in this population. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 people in Canada. A 'master narratives' framework combined with Polkinghorne's narrative analysis were used to explore individual-structural relations that affect identity in settings where cisheteronormative master narratives are amplified (i.e., conversion therapy). We present research findings through a creative non-fiction, which includes learning cisheteronormative master narratives; internalizing master narratives; feeling broken and searching for alternatives; and embracing self-love amidst pain. The amplification of master narratives through conversion therapy leads to conflict and delays in adopting a coherent identity. Health professionals should enact institutional practices that affirm SGM and thereby deemphasize cisheteronormativity.
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Key Words
- bisexual,
- conversion therapy,
- creative non-fiction,
- gay,
- identity,
- lesbian,
- master narrative framework,
- narrative inquiry,
- queer,
- sexual and gender minority health
- transgender,
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Kinitz
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Kinitz DJ. The Emotional and Psychological Labor of Insider Qualitative Research Among Systemically Marginalized Groups: Revisiting the Uses of Reflexivity. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1635-1647. [PMID: 35790140 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221112620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In response to decades-long exclusionary practices, academic institutions are now recruiting early career researchers (ECRs) from systemically marginalized populations who specialize in equity-related research. As a result, these ECRs are likely to conduct research within their communities on topics that have personal relevance-insider research. Methodological training for insider research places an emphasis on methods, such as reflexivity, to ensure rigor; however, the emotional and psychological impacts of these research methods on the researcher are seldom discussed. Therefore, I use analytic autoethnography to illustrate the embodied impacts of conducting insider research using an example of personal relevance and argue that methodological practices require an embodied reflexivity that centers the researcher and the impacts the research has on them. This paradoxically rewarding and taxing work necessitates changes in methodological training and practice, institutional support, and an openness to innovation when calling for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the academy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Kinitz
- Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ashley F. Transporting the Burden of Justification: The Unethicality of Transgender Conversion Practices. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2022; 50:425-442. [PMID: 36398637 PMCID: PMC9679588 DOI: 10.1017/jme.2022.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Transgender conversion practices involve attempts to alter, discourage, or suppress a person's gender identity and/or desired gender presentation, including by delaying or preventing gender transition. Proponents of the practices have argued that they should be allowed until proven to be harmful. Drawing on the notion of expressive equality, I argue that conversion practices are prima facie unethical because they do not fulfill a legitimate clinical purpose and conflict with the self-understanding of trans communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Ashley
- UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO FACULTY OF LAW AND JOINT CENTRE FOR BIOETHICS, TORONTO, CANADA
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