265178 Trans* in Nebraska: Descriptive Results from the Midlands LGBT Needs Assessment

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM

Jay A. Irwin, PhD , Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE
Christopher M. Fisher, PhD , Department of Health Promotion, Social & Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Jason D. Coleman, PhD, MSPH , School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE
Background: Transgender individuals remain under-studied in social science research. These individuals frequently report feelings of marginalization within LGBT and heterosexual communities, and often experience poor health outcomes. This study aims to provide an overview of the social, physical, and well-being of transgender Nebraskans.

Methods: A community-based participatory research approach was utilized to develop a 30-minute, online anonymous survey. A theoretical sample of self-identified LGBT individuals in Nebraska (n=770) were recruited via advertisements, press releases, fliers, and e-mail. This study investigated health-related outcomes of the 88 individuals who identified as transgender (n=91). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA were conducted using PASW 18.0.

Results: Of the transgender respondents, 47% were transwomen, 24% were transmen, and 28% identified as genderqueer/gender non-conforming. Transmen were more likely to report binge drinking behavior than transwomen or genderqueer individuals (χ2=17.14, p<.001). Over 70% of the transgender sample reported lifetime suicide ideation, significantly higher than non-transgender respondents (χ2=16.73, p<.001). Furthermore, 38% attempted suicide, significantly higher than the non-transgender respondents (χ2=26.17, p<.001). Transgender respondents reported significantly higher levels of perceived discrimination (t=-3.67, p<.001), perceived violence (t=-2.23, p<.01), and depressive symptoms (t=-3.54, p<.001) when compared to non-transgender respondents.

Conclusion: Transgender individuals in Nebraska are a heterogeneous group with many different identity arrangements. While STI rates, smoking, and general health show positive outcomes, high rates of suicidal behaviors, discrimination, violence and depression are of concern for this population. More research is needed to understand the unique needs of transpersons in the Midwest.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Diversity and culture
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Attendees will be able to: - Describe general demographic trends of transgender persons in Nebraska. - Learn comparative health outcomes of transwomen, transmen, and genderqueer individuals in Nebraska. - Identify health concerns of transgender people in Nebraska compared to non-transgender LGB community members.

Keywords: Gender, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was a primary investigator for the study and specialize in LGBT health care and health outcomes.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3245.0: Transgender and Gender Identity Health