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Kim E, Park H, Cho Y, Jeon K, An H. Invisibility and Stigma: Experiences of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals in South Korea. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:77-90. [PMID: 37950133 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02730-3] [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] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In this qualitative study, we explored the challenges that transgender and gender non-confirming (TGNC) individuals face in South Korea. For this, we conducted in-depth interviews with 14 South Korean TGNC younger adults attending colleges or graduate schools and analyzed their data through consensus qualitative research. Analyses revealed that issues related to interpersonal relationships and medical transiting were major challenges perceived by participants. Four categories emerged in the domain of challenges in interpersonal relationships, including issues associated with family, romantic partner, coming out and outing, and transphobia and cisnormativity. In addition, two categories (i.e., medical difficulties and physical appearance-related distress) were included in the domain of challenges related to medical transition. Unique sources of stress for South Korean TGNC younger adults included high risk of being outed due to Korean resident registration numbers, dissatisfaction with bodily changes when transitioning, and misgendering caused by Korean's different honorific titles depending on gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunha Kim
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.
| | - Hyun Park
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - YeJi Cho
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - KyungAh Jeon
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Hyunju An
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
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Sung J, Yi J, Kim MA, Sanchez G. Job-Seeking Experiences of Trans Adults in South Korea. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023:1-22. [PMID: 38117936 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2023.2295336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Being trans is stigmatized and can make it difficult to fit into the job market in South Korean society. This study explored trans individuals' job-seeking experience and the impact of gender identity on their career choices and development using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 trans adults with job-seeking experiences who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling in South Korea. Ten subthemes were identified in three overarching themes: (a) limiting myself in job search; (b) challenges in the job application and interview process; and (c) having a desire to build a meaningful career. Participants limited their choices for employment in favor of gender-neutral jobs or trans-inclusive work environments. In the job-seeking process, they faced challenges due to society's rigid binary gender roles and the negative stereotypes about trans identities. Despite stress and identity-related conflict, participants expressed a desire to overcome challenges, build a meaningful career, and flourish at work without compromising their gender identity. This study highlights the experiences of trans individuals in their job-seeking journey. Psychosocial interventions and career support services could help trans individuals in the job-seeking process by identifying their unique challenges to employment and providing assistance to cope with stigma and oppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Sung
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaehee Yi
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Min Ah Kim
- Department of Social Welfare, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gaben Sanchez
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Kim R, Choo S, Lee H, Eom YJ, Yi H, Kim R, Kim SS. Does discrimination prevent transgender and gender diverse people from seeking healthcare?: A nationwide cohort study in South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2023; 25:283-294. [PMID: 38681498 PMCID: PMC11044721 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2023.2215750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Using Asia's first nationwide cohort dataset, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-transgender discrimination and healthcare avoidance and delay (HAD) and examine their associations among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults in South Korea. Methods We analyzed a two-wave (2020-2021) longitudinal dataset of 190 Korean TGD adults. Anti-transgender discrimination were classified accordingly: experienced at (1) neither wave, (2) baseline (2020) only, (3) follow-up (2021) only, and (4) both waves. We also asked about HAD in the past 12 months at follow-up for both transition-related and non-transition-related healthcare services. Multivariate modified Poisson regression was used to examine the associations between anti-transgender discrimination and HAD. Results Of 190 participants, 102 (53.7%) experienced anti-transgender discrimination at both waves, and 130 (68.4%) reported HAD at follow-up. Compared to those without any experiences of anti-transgender discrimination, those who experienced it in both waves had a 1.78-times (95% CI: 1.21-2.63) higher prevalence of non-transition-related HAD, but not among those who experienced it in either wave. In contrast, anti-transgender discrimination was not associated with transition-related HAD. Conclusion In order to enhance healthcare access for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, it is necessary to implement interventions, such as anti-discrimination laws, that protect them from discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranyeong Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsub Choo
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Lee
- Healthcare Policy Team, Jeju Institute of Public Health & Health Policy, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jung Eom
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Horim Yi
- Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rockli Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Seung-Sup Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Eom YJ, Lee H, Kim R, Choo S, Yi H, Kim SS. Discrimination keeps transgender people awake at night: A nationwide cross-sectional survey of 583 transgender adults in South Korea. Sleep Health 2022; 8:580-586. [PMID: 36050274 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the association between transgender identity discrimination and sleep problems among transgender people in South Korea (hereafter, Korea), and whether family support for transgender identity plays a protective role in the association. DESIGN & SETTING We analyzed a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 583 Korean transgender adults which was anonymously conducted through an online platform. MEASUREMENTS Transgender identity discrimination was assessed using a single-item question. Sleep problems were defined as having any of the following problems: poor sleep quality, short sleep duration, and use of alcohol or sleep medications to fall asleep. Family support for transgender identity was classified into 3 groups as follows: not supportive, supportive, and unaware of participants' transgender identity. RESULTS Of 583 participants, 383 (65.7%) experienced transgender identity discrimination over the past 12 months. Participants who experienced transgender identity discrimination were 1.48 times (95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 1.19-1.83) more likely to have any sleep problems, compared to those who never experienced transgender identity discrimination. When stratified by family support level, the associations between transgender identity discrimination and sleep problems remained statistically significant only among those with a family unsupportive (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.16-2.31) or unaware (aPR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.01-2.52) of participants' transgender identity. However, the association was not statistically significant among those with a supportive family (aPR = 1.41; 95% CI = 0.96-2.07). CONCLUSION Given transphobic environments in Korea, legal and institutional efforts are required to reduce transgender identity discrimination (eg, anti-discrimination laws) as well as to build trans-specific family resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jung Eom
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyemin Lee
- Jeju Institute of Public Health & Health Policy, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Ranyeong Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sungsub Choo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Horim Yi
- Solidarity for LGBT Human Rights of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Sup Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Maryland, USA.
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Lee J, Ryu DH, Lee SJ. Anonymous view on transgender soldiers: content analysis of online news headlines and comments in South Korea. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2085. [PMCID: PMC9667664 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14565-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The inclusion of transgender soldiers in the military service raises a fundamental question about the dichotomous categorization of human sexes based on anatomy and gender role within a specialized organization where the most masculine is commonly accepted. In March 2021, Hee-Soo Byun, the first transgender soldier in Korea to come out in public, and who was forcefully discharged after gender affirming surgery, died by suicide. With no anti-discrimination laws, the cultural background of the Korean society hardly creates an LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) — friendly environment and shows a negative attitude towards gender minorities.
Methods
A total of 193 online news article headlines were analyzed, and 1046 comments were categorized inductively based on the presented rationales.
Results: Before Byun’s public appearance, the frequent use of provocative expressions, which could evoke prejudice and discrimination, was found in published article headlines. Of the 724 comments that presented opinions on transgender soldiers, approximately 75% opposed Byun serving in the military in any form, including as a female soldier.
Conclusions
This study aimed to investigate online news articles and the comments regarding Byun’s case to estimate the acceptability of transgender people serving in the military. The results of this study are expected to serve as a basis for the formulation of policies that protect the human rights of transgender people.
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Does Discrimination Affect Whether Transgender People Avoid or Delay Healthcare?: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey in South Korea. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 24:170-177. [PMID: 33881679 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01193-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the association between perceived discrimination and healthcare avoidance and delay (HAD) among transgender adults in South Korea (hereafter Korea). We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 244 Korean transgender adults in 2017. Discrimination within the last 12 months was categorized into four groups based on the reason(s) of discrimination experienced: (1) 'never experienced' discrimination, (2) 'only due to transgender identity,' (3) 'due to reason(s) other than transgender identity,' and (4) 'due to both transgender identity and other reason(s).' Korean transgender adults who experienced discrimination 'only due to transgender identity' and 'due to both transgender identity and other reason(s)' reported 1.91-times (95% CI 1.02-3.55) and 1.96-times (95% CI 1.32-2.92) higher prevalence of past 12-month HAD, respectively, than those who had no such experiences. Our findings suggest that institutional efforts are needed to protect transgender people from discrimination, which can contribute to improved access to healthcare among transgender populations in Korea.
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Lee H, Operario D, van den Berg JJ, Yi H, Choo S, Kim SS. Health Disparities Among Transgender Adults in South Korea. Asia Pac J Public Health 2020; 32:103-110. [DOI: 10.1177/1010539520912594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to identify health disparities among transgender adults in South Korea (hereafter Korea), where they widely experience social stigma. We assessed prevalence of nine health indicators using a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 255 Korean transgender adults in 2017. Standardized prevalence ratios of these indicators were estimated using four nationally representative surveys in Korea that included the same health measures. Overall, transgender adults had a significantly higher risk of adverse health outcomes than the general population in Korea. Specifically, disparities in mental health outcomes between transgender adults and the general population were statistically significant. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 6.44 and 9.71 times higher among transgender adults than women and men in the general population, respectively. For suicidal ideation, transgender adults reported 6.49 and 18.83 times greater risk than women and men in the general population, respectively. Our findings indicate that Korean transgender adults are at a higher risk of negative health outcomes than the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemin Lee
- Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Horim Yi
- Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Seung-Sup Kim
- Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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Lee H, Tomita KK, Habarth JM, Operario D, Yi H, Choo S, Kim SS. Internalized transphobia and mental health among transgender adults: A nationwide cross-sectional survey in South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2020; 21:182-193. [PMID: 33015668 PMCID: PMC7430457 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2020.1745113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Transgender people are stigmatized in South Korea (hereafter Korea), where cultural expectations of a biologically-based, binary sex and gender system present fundamental challenges to those whose gender identity does not align with their birth-assigned sex. A growing international body of literature implicates gender minority stress as a key contributor to transgender mental health disparities, but little research has been conducted on this topic in Korea. As in other cultural settings, depression and suicidality are urgent public health concerns for transgender people in Korea, primarily for those who have not initiated gender affirming medical treatment (GAMT), such as cross-sex hormone therapy. In the current study, an international and interdisciplinary team of authors apply the lens of gender minority stress to elucidate the relationships between a key facet of gender minority stress, internalized transphobia (ITP), and outcomes of depressive symptoms and suicidality. Methods: Based on a cross-sectional survey of 207 Korean transgender adults, the current study evaluates the relationships between ITP and depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. ITP was measured with an eight-item, Korean-language questionnaire adapted from the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Measure through a translation and back-translation process. Results: Korean trans women and trans men mean (mean age = 26.4) were included in the analysis, most of whom had at least one experience of any GAMT. The findings of this study show that Korean transgender adults face similar public health concerns such as high prevalence of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. As predicted, ITP was significantly related to depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Conclusion: The authors suggest potential clinical, policy, and research applications, including institutional interventions, to address structural and cultural barriers to optimal mental health and GAMT as well as mental health interventions to reduce Korean transgender people's internalized negative beliefs about their gender identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemin Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kevin K. Tomita
- Counseling and Student Development Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Horim Yi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsub Choo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Sup Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- CONTACT Seung-Sup Kim Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Kang SJ, Min HY. Effects of LGBT Nursing Education Using Simulation. KOREAN JOURNAL OF WOMEN HEALTH NURSING 2019; 25:379-391. [PMID: 37679909 DOI: 10.4069/kjwhn.2019.25.4.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE As health care needs for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) are becoming increasingly important, it has become imperative for the nurses to be attentive towards their health problems and provide nursing care with an open-minded attitude. Due to limited opportunity to provide direct nursing care to LGBT patients, it is hypothesized that simulation would provide good opportunity for students to experience LGBT nursing care in a safe environment. This study was conducted to develop and apply simulation of LGBT nursing care to ultimately provide unbiased nursing care for LGBT population and prepare basic data for LGBT nursing education. METHODS This study was a single-group pre-post experimental design study for 57 senior nursing students based on the comparison of existing LGBT knowledge, general attitude towards LGBT, and nursing attitude towards LGBT before and after simulation. The scenario content included discussion of coming out issue, providing sexual health information, and supportive nursing care for LGBT population. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed rank. RESULTS Simulation education-led to a significant increase in LGBT knowledge and nursing attitude. However, there was no change in the general attitude towards LGBT. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that LGBT education using simulation may be effective for nursing students and nurses from the point of concern for LGBT population. It is hypothesized that future LGBT educational programs might need more detailed information from both care recipients and nurses. Finally, LGBT education needs to be included in the nursing education curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook Jung Kang
- Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Young Min
- Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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