Project 466870

Gender positivity (a.k.a. gender euphoria) - the positive emotions related to ones gender - is an empowering experience and important concept for many transgender and gender-nonbinary (TGNB) individuals, but has received little attention in health research. The healthcare understanding of transgender (trans) identity and wellness has been centred on gender dysphoria, a psychiatric diagnosis that is historically a prerequisite for accessing gender-affirming medical services. However, gender dysphoria is far from reflecting the full range of gender experiences of TGNB people. The proposed study will analyze Canadian survey data of TGNB communities (Trans PULSE Canada; N=2873) to expand the dysphoria-centred clinical viewpoint to a community-informed, more balanced, and multifaceted understanding of TGNB gender experiences. Using innovative assessment tools to measure gender positivity as well as gender distress (i.e., distress related to gender dysphoria but not limited to a clinical diagnosis) in both the physical and the social aspects, the study will quantitatively examine the healthcare and social resilience factors that foster gender positivity, the risk factors for gender distress, the complex interactions between gender positivity and distress, and the association of each measure with physical and mental health outcomes. The results can contribute to a shift of perspective in trans health. The fuller understanding of the multidimensional TGNB experiences will likely inform research, gender-affirming care, healthcare policies, and societal representations. Future TGNB research and gender-affirming therapies may benefit from not only focusing on dysphoria but also exploring resilience-based approaches to nurture gender positivity as a protective factor for health.