Sexual Victimization Among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Adolescents

Although research has explored peer victimization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, there is a dearth of research on sexual victimization (SV), especially among transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth. Data suggest, though, that LGBQ and TGNC people are at a higher risk of SV. Furthermore, findings among general populations suggest that SV is often associated with unique predictors, outcomes, and developmental periods. This study establishes the prevalence of SV among TGNC youth and analyzes predictors and outcomes.

The present cross-sectional study sampled 16,292 adolescents from the U.S. Midwest, 623 of which identified as TGNC (i.e., reported that their gender identity was transgender, gender fluid, non-binary, other, or different than their sex assigned at birth). Among TGNC youth, 22% reported being forced to take part in sexual activity and 33% reported being sexually harassed, in contrast to their non-TGNC peers, with 7% reported being forced to take part in sexual activity and 20% reported being sexually harassed. A logistic regression demonstrated that sexual harassment victimization (SHV), bias-based victimization, consensual sexual contact, problematic drug use, parental support, and school belonging successfully distinguished between TGNC who reported SV and those who did not, χ2 (6) = 147.10, p < .001. The predictors accounted for 44% of the variance in SV. Test of individual parameters demonstrated that four variables significantly differentiated between TGNC adolescents who reported SV and those who did not (SHV, bias-based victimization, consensual sexual contact, and problematic drug use). SHV was the strongest predictor (z = 32.10, p < .001) –increasing the probability of reporting SV by a factor of 2.3.

A multiple regression model indicated that SV, SHV, bias-based victimization, problematic drug use, parental support, and school belonging accounted for 26.8% of the variance in suicidal ideation and were significantly different from zero, F = 26.65, p < .001. Only four of the predictors were significant – SV (β = .11, p < .05), bias-based victimization (β =.21, p < .001), problematic drug use (β =.15, p < .001), and school belonging (β = -.18, p < .001).

These findings lay an important foundation for understanding the nature of SV among TGNC adolescents. The results suggested that this population is at an increased risk for both SV and sexual harassment victimization. Other forms of victimization and problematic drug use were the best predictors of increased SV. Engaging in consensual sexual behavior was predictive of diminished SV. With regards to outcomes, SV predicted suicidal ideation, illustrating the grave consequences associated with this behavior.