Gender identities and affirmation pathways among transgender individuals in Norway

Abstract

Objectives: To identify subgroups of the Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) population and investigate if they follow similar or different affirmation pathways according to their self-reported gender identity. Method: A questionnaire used in France and Brazil was adapted to the Norwegian context and used for this study. Participants were recruited through therapists, TGD organizations, and social media. The data were analyzed based on seven categories -man, woman, trans man, trans woman, nonbinary, agender and undefined - which were derived from a content analysis of the self-reported definitions. Results: In total, 538 individuals responded the questionnaire, of which 336 participants provided a self-reported definition of their gender identity. The groups differed systematically along the binary–nonbinary continuum regarding changes in legal status, planning and obtaining health care, and overall satisfaction regarding their pathway. Conclusions: The results indicate that health care must be adapted according to gender self-identification and accommodate the different needs that are expressed by the participants.