Prevalence and Predictors of Disclosure of Transgender Identity

S. Maguen, J. Shipherd, H. Harris, L. Welch

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of transgender identity disclosure in a gender minority sample. Participants (n = 156) were recruited from a New England transgender conference, and most (81%) reported male gender assignment at birth. Significant predictors of disclosure included age, transgender group, amount of time dressing as the identified gender, and involvement in the transgender community. The majority of participants indicated that they had disclosed to spouses and friends, followed by siblings and mothers. Individuals who disclosed to a greater number of people reported more social support than those who had disclosed to fewer people. Implications and limitations of this study are discussed.[Copies are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Center. The Haworth Press, Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580, USA]