The present study examined patterns in trans individuals' multiple identities and mental health outcomes. Cluster 1 (socioeconomic and racial privilege; n = 239) was characterized by individuals who identified as trans women or crossdressers, lesbian, bisexual, or questioning; had associates degrees; reported household incomes of $60,000 or more a year; and were non-Latino White. Cluster 2 (educational privilege; n = 191) was characterized by individuals who identified as trans men or genderqueer, gay, or queer; had a bachelor's degree; reported household incomes of $10,000 or less a year; and were people of color. There was a pattern of individuals in Cluster 1 who identified with two privileged identities (identifying as White and having higher household incomes), whereas individuals in Cluster 2 identified only formal education as a privilege. Individuals in Cluster 2 reported statistically significant levels of anxiety. Implications of these results for future research and clinical practice are examined.

The current study used grounded theory methods to analyze trans men's positive emotions. The sample included 11 participants who were assigned a female sex at birth and currently identify with a binary male identity. Results yielded eight positive emotion themes emerging for trans men, which included the following: confidence, comfort, connection, feeling alive, amazement, pride, happiness, and interpersonal reactionary emotions. Participants reported specific gender experiences within these themes, including a sense of brotherhood, excitement related to taking testosterone, authentic pride in identifying as a man, and happiness connected to others using correct gender language (e.g., pronouns, family labels, greetings). A theoretical model from the eight themes and 39 higher order categories emerged, indicating the importance of initial internal emotions, confidence related to trans men's identity processes, and the ways in which positive interpersonal interactions affect positive emotions. Implications include using emotion-focused therapy and including more positivity into trans individuals' experiences and emotions.

from the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking me under your wings and into your mentorship, supportively pushing me out of my comfort zone, and believing in me when I couldn't believe in myself. You helped me find confidence in not only as a student and a psychologist, you helped me find confidence in myself. My dissertation committee and auditors, thank you for your patience and energy that allowed me to complete this beast of a dissertation. Jody Zhong and Ja'lessa Hardwick, thank you for helping me transcribe my interviews. This would've been a much longer and more arduous endeavor without your help. Mom, Dad, and Steven, you allowed me to follow my dreams and supported me at every step. You have sacrificed so much along the way and those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. Your love, strength, and encouragements allowed me to flourish. Thank you. I love you. My chosen family, Dr. Kinton Rossman, Clare Gervasi, and the entirety of the TSTAR Lab. You have been my community and my chosen family. You helped lift me up when life was at its hardest. You gave me a seat at the table (with a bottle of Ale 8) and loved me for who I am. I am forever grateful for your love and friendships. Luna and Stella, my loves/companions, thank you for your love and emotional support. Erin Frawley, thank you for your love, support, patience, and tenderness this past year. You have shown me what it means to be truly vulnerable and to be seen in all that I am. Coffee, you were with me every step of the way. My participants, thank you for entrusting me with your narratives. Trans API people everywhere, thank you for being my community. Thank you for being my home. Let us continue to resist, exist, and thrive.

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