The Prevalence and Consequences of Gender-Based Violence Among Trans and Gender Diverse University Students in Ontario

Community studies documenting gender-based violence (GBV) experienced by trans and gender diverse (TGD) people often find differences in prevalence across TGD subgroups. In contrast, studies with university students tend to treat TGD students as a homogenous group, leaving differences across subgroups unknown. Using data from TGD Ontario university students, we examined the prevalence and impacts of GBV across the spectrum of nonbinary and gender queer, trans women and trans feminine (TWTF), and trans men and trans masculine (TMTM) students. Specifically, we explored the frequency of subtle and overt forms of GBV (trans environmental microaggressions, trans interpersonal microaggressions, victimization) and their relationship with psychological (positive mental health, psychological distress, perceived stress) and social (campus belonging) well-being among each subgroup. TMTM students reported experiencing both microaggression types significantly more frequently than TWTF; no other differences in prevalence were found. Consistent with minority stress theory, all but one statistically significant result suggested that experiences of GBV are associated with poorer outcomes. Specifically, GBV can negatively impact TGD students' well-being, although its impacts are not identical across TGD subgroups. The findings highlight the importance of considering TGD students as a heterogeneous group when examining GBV and its consequences. Implications for research, policy, practice, and the training of practitioners are offered.