Gendernauts in the Cistem - How Do Nonbinary People Handle Social Groups and Gender Minority Stress

Bibliographic Data

ID3607701
AuthorsLoren Schaad (0009-0009-1149-6199, University of Zurich, corresponding author), Léïla Eisner (0000-0003-3268-1659, University of Zurich), Nicu Tschurr (University of Zurich), Annika Schmitz-Wilhelmy (0000-0001-8566-3521, University of Zurich), Johannes Ullrich (0000-0002-0471-7004, University of Zurich), Tabea Hässler (0000-0002-9371-2423, University of Zurich, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume73
Issue1
Pages1-27
Publication date2025-02-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918369.2025.2461688
PMID39982042
OpenAlexW4407844283
LanguageEN
References cited68

This study explores how nonbinary individuals manage minority stress within the predominantly binary society of Switzerland. Utilizing social identity theory and minority stress theory, along with thematic analysis of focus group interviews with 16 nonbinary individuals and 14 social identity maps, the study found three concentric circles of social groups: circle 1 (family, partners, friends), circle 2 (coworkers, LGBTIQA+ communities), and circle 3 (the public, media, Swiss institutions). Participants primarily felt affirmed and supported by circles 1 and 2. They reported feeling less support from circle 3 and engaged in cautious social monitoring to anticipate potential discrimination. They found discrimination from close social groups (circle 1) more distressing than from emotionally distant ones (circle 2 or 3). Our study also examined strategies employed by nonbinary participants, including monitoring others and their trans-friendliness before coming out, educating others, taking actions to make institutions more inclusive, disengaging from invalidating individuals, groups, or institutions, and searching for affirmative environments. However, these coping strategies often entail significant mental workload and exhaustion. We conclude with participant-generated recommendations to enhance nonbinary inclusion in society, politics, and healthcare. The findings underscore the need for broader societal awareness and support to mitigate minority stress experienced by nonbinary individuals

Developmental psychology · Minority stress · Sexual minority · Sexual orientation · Social stress · Sociology · Stress (linguistics · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access