Policing Gender Through Housing and Employment Discrimination: Comparison of Discrimination Experiences of Transgender and Cisgender LGBQ Individuals

A B S T R AC T Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community experience higher rates of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. However, discrimination might not occur equally across all members of the community. This article examines the prevalence of and factors associated with experiences of discrimination for cisgender LGBQ individuals and those who identify as transgender. Findings suggest that as compared with cisgender participants, transgender individuals experience a higher frequency of discrimination related to housing and employment. Factors associated with experiencing discrimination include gender identity; length of time being out, that is, openly disclosing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity; age; and race. Results of this study make clear that it is imperative for social workers, educators, and other human service professionals to be aware of and actively work against transphobic policies and actions that affect the quality of life for transgender individuals beyond the already increased discrimination risks faced by the LGBTQ community.