Conforming for survival: Associations between transgender visual conformity/passing and homelessness experiences. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Begun, Stephanie; Kattari, Shanna K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of gay & lesbian social services. Volume 28:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: transgender issues -- homelessness -- visual conformity/passing -- shelter access -- discrimination; Social work with gays -- Periodicals; Social work with lesbians -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.8964
• DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2016.1125821
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1053-8720

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Transgender/gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals face widespread discrimination and harassment, and are frequently victims of transphobic acts of violence. Furthermore, transgender/GNC individuals are twice as likely to experience homelessness as other members of the at-large population. This study uses a national survey ( N = 6, 456) to examine, specifically among transgender/GNC individuals, relationships between homelessness experiences and visual conformity/passing, and how this population's shelter-based experiences may differ based on the level to which an individual visually conforms. Results suggest that lower visual conformity/passing is positively associated with homelessness as well as negative experiences incurred while accessing shelters. Social service implications are subsequently discussed.