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. 2024 Apr 5;26(3):837-850.
doi: 10.1080/26895269.2024.2335517. eCollection 2025.

Embracing diversity: Exploring attitudes and beliefs toward transgender and gender-diverse people in the LGBTQIA + communities

Christian Compare  1 , Fau Rosati  2 , Cinzia Albanesi  1 , Roberto Baiocco  2 , Maric Martin Lorusso  1
Affiliations

Embracing diversity: Exploring attitudes and beliefs toward transgender and gender-diverse people in the LGBTQIA + communities

Christian Compare et al. Int J Transgend Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: LGBTQIA + communities can be considered collectivist communities, transcending geographical limitations and characterized by shared values, traits, and experiences. Community resources play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of stress and fostering positive health outcomes from exposure to hostile environments. However, not all members of LGBTQIA + communities have equal access to these resources, particularly transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Method: The present study explores the mechanism of discrimination and inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse minorities in a population of 1,486 gender and sexual minoritized individuals residing in Italy. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire regarding sociodemographics and identitarian factors and their levels of psychological sense of community, social justice, binary genderism and transphobia, and gender and sex diversity beliefs.

Results: Being younger, trans or gender-diverse, being a LGBTQIA + activist, and experiencing multiple systems of oppression proved to be related to stronger bonds with LGBTQIA + communities, higher levels of social justice, less rejective and discriminating attitudes, and stronger inclusive beliefs toward gender minoritiezed groups. Moreover, the mediation models highlighted the positive direct influence of psychological sense of community on promoting inclusive attitudes and beliefs and its indirect positive effect through social justice.

Discussion: The study reflects on the pivotal role of psychological sense of community and social justice as building blocks of inclusive attitudes toward transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Keywords: Gender-diverse; LGBTQIA+; sense of community; social justice; transgender; youth.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Mediation model controlling for age and gender modality. Standardized betas; ***p <. 001.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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