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The present study focused on trans and nonbinary (TNB) individuals who have an androgynous or non-stereotypical body ideal, with attention to how their body ideal is conceptualized and maintained. Data were collected online from 76 TNB individuals. Based on responses to two open-ended prompts, a two-tiered analysis was conducted. First, thematic analysis was used to develop four central themes describing the way TNB individuals conceptualized their androgynous body ideal: 1) Attaining Neutrality and De-Categorizing Gender; 2) Disaggregating Gender Expression; 3) Managing Gender Dysphoria; and 4) Achieving Authenticity. Second, content analysis was used to document 12 behaviors engaged in or actions taken for the purpose of approaching or maintaining an androgynous or non-stereotypical body ideal. These were grouped into 3 main categories: gender expression (clothes, hair, make-up, body modifications), body shape (weight, muscularity, eating/diet), and sex characteristics (hormone therapy, body hair, vocal, chest, genitals). Results of the present study expand the current body ideal literature by including TNB narratives and by focusing specifically on the ways an androgynous body ideal is conceptualized and maintained. Research and clinical implications are discussed.

Negative experiences in healthcare settings have been linked to decreased treatment satisfaction and reduction of future help-seeking behaviors among transgender individuals. The present study used gender-identity based microaggressions as a model for understanding the client–therapist relationship. Using a qualitative approach, we investigated instances of microaggressions from mental health providers as experienced by 91 adults who identified as transgender or gender diverse. Participants completed an online survey and described instances of microaggressions directed towards them from mental health providers. Thematic analysis resulted in four therapy-salient themes: Lack of Respect for Client Identity, Lack of Competency, Saliency of Identity, and Gatekeeping. Our discussion of the results focuses on the examination of microaggressions as ethical guideline violations. We discuss methods to improve the practical application of ethical standards to counseling with transgender clients. Implications for practice, training, and future research are also discussed.

Although mental health disparities for transgender individuals are well documented, a number of obstacles exist for receiving affirming therapy. To provide an understanding of transgender peoples’ help-seeking experiences, the present study aimed to investigate their positive experiences of identity microaffirmations within a therapeutic relationship. Sixty-four transgender participants answered an open-ended question online regarding their experience of gender identity–based affirmations in therapy. Using thematic analysis, responses were evaluated and four main themes were identified: (1) absence of microaggressions, (2) acknowledging cisnormativity, (3) disrupting cisnormativity, and (4) seeing authentic gender. Implications for therapeutic work with transgender clients are discussed.

Background: Transgender microaffirmations are subtle endorsements of a person’s gender identity through both verbal acknowledgements and behavioral gestures. Microaffirmations positively impact individuals who identify as transgender by acknowledging their gender identity and by communicating a sense of support and validation. Aims: This study focuses on microaffirmations specifically directed toward nonbinary transgender individuals within romantic relationships. Methods: Participants included 161 adults who identified as nonbinary: 85 who identified as gender nonconforming and 76 who identified as agender. These participants were either currently in a romantic relationship or had been in a romantic relationship within the past 5 years. Participants completed an online survey and provided examples of the microaffirmations they experienced from their romantic partners. Results: Responses were analyzed via thematic analysis, resulting in four overarching themes: (1) Identity Validations, acknowledgement and acceptance of nonbinary identity; (2) Identity Endorsements, active endorsements of nonbinary through language or behavior; (3) Active Learning, self-education about nonbinary identities; and (4) Active Defense, interruptions of others’ negative actions directed at nonbinary partners. Discussion: Discussion of the results focuses on understanding how microaffirmations operate to complicate binary notions of gender/sex and positively influence nonbinary transgender individuals in interpersonal relationships.