Mental and sexual well-being in non-binary and genderqueer individuals

Mathilde Kennis*, Felix Duecker, Guy T'Sjoen, Alexander T. Sack, Marieke Dewitte

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Background Non-binary and genderqueer (NBGQ) individuals do not identify with a binary gender identity. Some but not all NBGQ individuals identify as transgender, and it is currently unclear on which aspects of mental and sexual well-being NBGQ and binary transgender individuals may differ. Aim To compare NBGQ, binary transgender and cisgender individuals on variables related to mental well-being, sexual well-being, and sexual self-concept discrepancies. Methods We conducted an online questionnaire study in 125 transgender men, 72 transgender women, 78 NBGQ individuals, 98 cisgender men, and 107 cisgender women. Results For most variables, NBGQ individuals did not differ from binary transgender individuals. These two groups differed only on gender dysphoria and transgender specific body image worries, which were both lower in the NBGQ group. Compared to the cisgender group, NBGQ individuals scored higher on gender dysphoria, actual/ought sexual self-concept discrepancies, and actual/ideal sexual self-concept discrepancies, and lower on general life satisfaction and sexual esteem related to body perception. Discussion These results offer a first quantitative analysis of sexual well-being in NBGQ individuals, and highlight that - while both groups face unique challenges - NBGQ individuals encounter similar difficulties concerning mental and sexual well-being as binary transgender individuals.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)442-457
Number of pages16
JournalInternational journal of transgender health
Volume23
Issue number4
Early online date18 Oct 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Oct 2022

Keywords

  • Genderqueer
  • mental well-being
  • non-binary
  • sexual self-concept
  • sexual well-being
  • transgender
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • HOSPITAL ANXIETY
  • HEALTH
  • DEPRESSION
  • SELF
  • TRANSGENDER
  • REASSIGNMENT
  • SATISFACTION
  • POPULATIONS
  • DYSPHORIA

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