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Current Sexual Health Reports
Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 3/2017

01-09-2017 | Variations in Orientation, Identity, Addiction, and Compulsion (E Coleman and J Vencill, Section Editor)

Non-binary/Genderqueer Identities: a Critical Review of the Literature

Authors: Emmie Matsuno, Stephanie L. Budge

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The goal of this paper is to give current understanding of non-binary/genderqueer identities, non-binary mental health trends and identity development, unique experiences of non-binary individuals, and recommendations for clinicians and researchers.

Recent Findings

About one third of individuals who identify as transgender primarily identify as non-binary. Recent studies found that non-binary people are at higher risk for suicide, experience more psychological distress, and experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. New studies on identity development of non-binary individuals provide explicit and fluid understandings of gender identity development outside of male/female, man/woman, and boy/girl.

Summary

Overall, little research is focused on non-binary individuals even though non-binary people make up a significant portion of the transgender community and experience even greater negative mental health risks. Non-binary people face several challenges in a society that is structured around binary gender identities. We encourage psychologists to challenge the dominant binary assumption about gender and create environments that include and affirm non-binary individuals.
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Metadata
Title
Non-binary/Genderqueer Identities: a Critical Review of the Literature
Authors
Emmie Matsuno
Stephanie L. Budge
Publication date
01-09-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-017-0111-8

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