Buffering effect of cultural and community identity on psychological wellbeing among API and Latina transgender women

Background: Transgender women of color are often exposed to transphobia, as well as racial discrimination, and are vulnerable to mental health problems. This study aimed to examine the buffering effect of cultural and transgender community identity on psychological wellbeing.

Methods: API (n=110) and Latina transgender women (n=110) with a history of sex work were recruited based on purposive sampling in San Francisco and were individually interviewed using a structured survey questionnaire. Measures included transphobia, cultural identity (culture of origin and U.S.), transgender community identity, and psychological wellbeing (depression and self-esteem).

Results: Latina participants had significantly higher levels of transphobia and depression (CES-D) and lower levels of self-esteem than APIs. APIs showed higher levels of identification with the transgender community, acculturation to the U.S. mainstream culture, and identification with their culture of origin. Participants who reported lower levels of transphobia, had positive identity with their culture of origin and the transgender community, and identified as female were less likely to have reported depressive symptoms. Latina participants, and those who currently engaged in sex work, reported higher levels of transphobia and lower levels of identification with their culture of origin and the transgender community showed significantly lower levels of self-esteem.

Conclusions: Exposure to transphobia had a strong negative effect on psychological wellbeing among Latina and API transgender women, but identification with the culture of origin and the transgender community buffered the effect. Future intervention programs can strengthen API and Latina identity and transgender community activities and provide coping strategies to deal with transphobia.