Demographic and Behavioral Profiles of Nonbinary and Binary Transgender Youth

Abstract

Purpose: Emerging literature suggests there may be important differences in the demographic characteristics and health profiles of nonbinary transgender youth compared to binary transgender youth. Methods: Between June 2017 and June 2018, 202 transgender youth aged 15-24 years were recruited into a randomized trial of home HIV testing, Project Moxie. This analysis compares demographic and health risk behavior characteristics between youth reporting nonbinary and binary transgender identities in baseline surveys. Results: Nonbinary youth were significantly less likely to have accessed medical interventions to affirm their gender than binary youth (8.4% vs. 46.2%), and less likely to be living currently as the gender that most affirms them (80.7% vs. 91.6%). While there were no significant differences in the low levels of resilience reported across the sample, nonbinary youth reported significantly higher levels of stress. Health risk behaviors were generally high across nonbinary and binary participants, with no significant differences in sexual partner count, condomless sex, alcohol use, tobacco, marijuana, or other drug use. Conclusion: Findings affirmed many similarities, and key disparities, between nonbinary and binary transgender youth. Research and interventions dedicated to the unique needs and experiences of nonbinary transgender youth to address high levels of health risk behaviors and stress are critical.

Keywords: HIV testing; gender identity; nonbinary; online survey; transgender youth.