Gender identity variant people experience a psychological discomfort living life in

the gender consistent with the sex ascribed to them at birth, and consequently
identify as (and desire to live in) another gender.

Sam Winter, Transpeople, transprejudice and pathologisation: a seven-

country factor analytic study

International Journal of Sexual Health, 21: pp96-118, 2009

Pornthip Chalungsooth,

Yik Koon Teh,

Nongnuch Rojanalert,

Kulthida Maneerat,

Ying Wuen Wong,

Anne Beaumont,

Loretta Man Wah Ho,

Francis “Chuck” Gomez,

Raymond Aquino Macapagal.

Abstract

Eight hundred and forty one undergraduate students in seven countries (China,

Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States)

completed a questionnaire examining perceptions of transwomen (on a

transacceptance–transprejudice continuum). The aim was to identify factors

underlying transacceptance-transprejudice, and relationships among them. Five

factors were identified (MENTAL-ILLNESS, DENIAL-WOMEN, SOCIAL-REJECTION, PEER-

REJECTION, SEXUAL-DEVIANCE). MENTAL-ILLNESS (the belief that transwomen were

mentally ill) was the most powerful underlying factor, linked to other aspects of

transprejudice. We discuss implications for the debate on depathologisation of gender

variance, and for transprejudice worldwide.

Antipathy towards transpeople often leads to discrimination and victimisation at
home, school, workplace and in broader society. The effects are broad, impacting
the life quality, life opportunities, mental well-being and physical health of transmen
and transwomen (Clements-Nolle, Marx, & Katz, 2006; Grossman & D'Augelli, 2006;
Harcourt, 2006).