A Networked Model of Ecological Systems Theory to Discuss Concerns in Italian Bisexual+ and Transgender People After the Block of the “Zan Bill” by Senate

Introduction The present study aimed to explore the concerns felt by Italian transgender and bisexual+ individuals following the block of the Zan Bill by the Senate, a law against hate crimes based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. Methods The study was conducted online from December 2021 to March 2022. A qualitative investigation of participants’ answers to the following open-ended question was conducted: “What potential concerns rose in you or were reinforced as a result of the Zan Bill’s block?” The total sample included 201 Italian individuals (137 bisexual+ and 64 transgender). Coding reliability thematic analysis of participants’ responses was conducted. Results Through a coding reliability thematic analysis, the authors generated three overarching themes, which can be divided into eight subthemes. The three overarching themes were as follows: (1) concerns for personal safety, i.e., concerns related to expectations of discrimination, physical or psychological violence in various life circumstances, or decreased well-being; (2) concerns about the safety of loved ones or other LGBTQIA+ individuals, women+, and people with disabilities; and (3) concerns about the rule of law in Italy, i.e., concerns related to future sociopolitical scenarios in Italy for bisexual+ and transgender people rights. Themes related to concerns raised among Italian transgender and bisexual+ people have been discussed by adopting the networked model of ecological systems theory. Conclusions The block of the Zan Bill raised or reinforced concerns at the individual, family, organizational, and systemic-institutional levels. Policy Implications The development of policies in favor and support of Italian bisexual+ and transgender people would increase their well-being.