(Trans)gender stereotypes and the self: Content and consequences of gender identity stereotypes

TLDR

Transgender individuals experience stigmatization through the application of gender stereotypes. The study aims to show how research that includes nontraditional gender identities broadens and advances diversity and identity science. The studies revealed that cisgender participants generated negative stereotypes such as “mentally ill” and “confused” toward transgender people, that these stereotypes also reflected cisgender gender norms, and that transgender respondents rated these stereotypes more negatively than cisgender respondents, underscoring distinct stigma experiences.

Abstract

Transgender individuals experience stigmatization through the application of gender stereotypes. In Study 1, cisgender individuals (N = 212) produced unique stereotypes, such as "mentally ill" and "confused," about transgender, but not cisgender, populations. Stereotypes for transgender individuals also included stereotypes related to both cisgender men and cisgender women. In Study 2, transgender people (N = 330) rated the unique stereotypes about their group more negatively than cisgender people (N = 193) rated the same stereotypes. These data highlight distinct ways that transgender people, who represent one of the most stigmatized social groups, experience stigma through stereotype application. Discussion includes how research including nontraditional gender identities broadens and advances diversity and identity science.