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

Objective: 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, little is known about how rates of discrimination differ among all members of the LGBTQ community. This article examines the prevalence of and factors associated with experiences of discrimination for cisgender LGBQ individuals and those who identify as transgender. Method: Rates of discrimination in housing and in employment were compared among 3,838 transgender and cisgender LGBQ individuals using self-reported data collected in online surveys. Results: Transgender individuals experience a higher frequency of discrimination related to housing and employment than cisgender participants. 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. Conclusions: Results suggest that social workers, educators, and other human service professionals 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.