2026 Articles

Associations between gender nonconformity and SOGIE-attributed victimization: Setting-specific variations by sociodemographic characteristics

Yang, Shichang; Shrestha, Aishworya; Reeder, Kelsey; Hurley, Daria; Sung, Jimin; Wu, Elwin; Wu, Lijuan

Using a nationwide survey of LGBTQ+ adults in China (N = 17,100), logistic and linear regression models were employed to examine associations between gender nonconformity and self-reported victimization attributed to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE) in seven social settings (family, education, workplace, religion, medical care, mental health, and public service).

Results showed that 67.25% of participants reported at least one SOGIE-attributed victimization. Gender nonconformity was significantly associated with overall victimization in family, education, and workplace settings. Transgender and gender-diverse identity, greater self-restraint of gender expression, and greater outness (identity disclosure) were significantly associated with higher odds or levels of victimization in different settings, while documented gender markers showed associations of varying directions.

Effects of interaction terms showed that the association between gender nonconformity and barriers to accessing public restrooms and baths was stronger among transgender and gender-diverse individuals than cisgender. The documented female marker was significantly associated with stronger associations between gender nonconformity and victimization that directly targets appearance and behavior in the family setting and barriers to public services, but weaker associations for overall victimization in the education setting and sexual harassment across settings. Greater outness was associated with weaker associations between gender nonconformity and victimization in family, education, and workplace settings. Agricultural Hukou (household registration) was associated with weaker nonconformity-victimization associations in the family setting.

This study provides evidence supporting assessment of high-risk profiles and victimization types among LGBTQ+ individuals with nonconforming gender expressions in specific social settings.