Stephanie Begun, MSW, PhD Student Shanna K. Kattari, M.Ed, PhD Student Conforming for Survival: Associations Between Transgender Visual Conformity/Passing and Homelessness Experiences Intro ourselves and our research interests (and how our interests combined in this project, accordingly) Stephanie Begun, MSW, PhD Student Shanna K. Kattari, M.Ed, PhD Student

Overview Transgender/gender non-conforming (GNC) individuals face widespread: Discrimination Harassment Transphobic acts of violence Transgender/GNC individuals are twice as likely to than other members of the at-large population Many report that their homelessness was directly related to their transgender/GNC identities As part of intro, cover a brief overview of definitions and appropriate use of language/terms? Grant et al., 2011

Overview Many homeless shelters in the United States are: Segregated based on sex Fail to provide physically safe environments for transgender/GNC individuals Do not adequately protect their privacy Do not display respect for transgender individuals’ autonomy in defining and expressing their gender identity ,…thus forcing assumptions about a given individual’s gender and identity. As a result, transgender individuals, who may identify as or express gender differently when compared to their respective sex at birth, often encounter challenges in accessing safe and adequate shelter while homeless. Mottet & Ohle, 2006

Research Questions Specifically among transgender/GNC individuals: What relationships exist between homelessness prevalence and visual conformity? (i.e., the degree to which others would assume an individual is cisgender, meaning that their gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth; often also referred to as “passing”) How is visual conformity/passing associated with this population’s experiences while accessing homeless shelters?   1) There is a dearth of research that focuses on the extent to which homeless transgender individuals are pressured to “pass” as a rigid (often binary) gender identity in order to obtain access to needed services and resources, and how such phenomena may affect their experiences while homeless and while accessing services such as shelters. As such, the current study uses a national survey to examine,…

Methods Data were collected by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National LGBTQ Task Force, two national advocacy organizations; this study utilizes the 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey (N=6,454) Survey distributed through partner organizations, social media, and advertisements Administered online to participants from 50 U.S. States, Puerto Rico, and Guam   The current study explores relationships between variables pertaining to questions asked about visual conformity/ability to pass and homelessness, as well as associations between visual conformity and self-reported experiences of accessing homeless shelters.

Methods All participants in this survey identified as transgender and/or gender non-conforming, and were 18+ Respondents were asked questions about their: Current living situations Health and demographics Experiences of discrimination, harassment, and victimization  

Demographics (N = 6,454)

Demographics (N = 6,454)

Demographics (N = 6,454)

Results A substantial portion of the sample experienced homelessness at some point (n = 721, 11.2%) Compared to their more visually-conforming counterparts, less visually-conforming individuals were significantly more likely to: Ever need to find temporary places to sleep (X2(4) = 55.77, p <  .001) Ever become homeless (X2(4) = 43.04, p <  .001) Indicate current homelessness (X2(2) = 10.72, p < .01)   This exploratory study uses a series of chi-squares to analyze data, and found:

Results In addition, less visually-conforming individuals were also significantly: Less likely to seek access to shelters (X2(4) = 48.24, p < .001) More likely to be denied access to shelters (X2(2) = 13.06, p <  .01) More frequently thrown out of shelters (X2(2) = 7.89, p <  .05)

Results Individuals who were less visually-conforming were also more likely to: Be harassed by shelter residents/stafrf (X2(2) = 7.07, p <  .05) Experience physical assault by residents/staff (X2(2) = 6.78, p <  .05) Be forced to live as the wrong gender in order to stay in the shelter (X2(2) = 7.85, p <  .05) Or in order to feel safe in the shelter (X2(2) = 13.26, p <  .01)

Results Moreover, less visual conformity was also associated with leaving shelters due to poor treatment and unsafe conditions (X2(2) = 13.46, p <  .01)

Discussion and Implications Findings suggest that the level to which transgender/GNC individuals are able to visually conform is associated with both homelessness as well as negative experiences incurred while accessing shelters Note: We are NOT suggesting individuals should work to visually conform with any gender Rather, we need to change how individuals and organizations react to gender non-conformity Share, anecdotally, of several individuals with whom I worked (homeless youth in longitudinal RCT), who reflected many of these themes to me as I got to know them better.

Discussion and Implications In a time of limited funding and resources, how can agencies and shelters better respond to the needs and the discrimination faced by transgender homeless individuals? What research and/or intervention efforts are needed next? What do social workers and other service providers need to know to be more effective and culturally-responsive in their work with this population? Future social work research should further investigate avenues that work toward advocating against both housing discrimination as well as how toward improving services for homeless transgender/GNC individuals, such that they may access homelessness resources freely and without fear of discrimination, victimization, and being forced to live under false guises of identity.

Questions? Future social work research should further investigate avenues that work toward advocating against both housing discrimination as well as how toward improving services for homeless transgender/GNC individuals, such that they may access homelessness resources freely and without fear of discrimination, victimization, and being forced to live under false guises of identity. Thank you!

References Grant, J., Mottet, L., Tanis, J., Harrison, J., Herman, J., & Keisling, M. (2011). Injustice at every turn: A report of the national transgender discrimination survey. Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.   Mottet, L., & Ohle, J. (2006). Transitioning our shelters: Making homeless shelters safe for transgender people. Journal of Poverty, 10(2), 77-101. Future social work research should further investigate avenues that work toward advocating against both housing discrimination as well as how toward improving services for homeless transgender/GNC individuals, such that they may access homelessness resources freely and without fear of discrimination, victimization, and being forced to live under false guises of identity.