Gender, traditional gender ideology, gender essentialist beliefs, and masculinity threat as determinants of attitudes toward trans and gender diverse people in a U.K. sample.

Abstract

Previous research has shown that identifying as a man, endorsing traditional gender norms, and holding gender essentialist beliefs are associated with more negative attitudes toward the trans and gender diverse (TGD) community. Implicit cues relating to gender identity, such as a threat to masculinity, have also been associated with negative attitudes. Currently, no research has examined this combination of predictors nor the influence of implicit cues in a U.K. sample, and therefore the current studies aimed to address this gap. Study 1 included 204 participants who were asked to complete measures of traditional gender ideology, gender essentialism, and attitudes toward TGD people. Study 2 involved 330 participants who experienced a threat to masculinity/femininity, masculinity/femininity affirmation, or were part of a control group. Study 1 found that men had poorer attitudes toward TGD people and less positive gender and sex beliefs through adherence to traditional gender norms and holding gender essentialist beliefs compared to women. Unexpectedly, following masculinity threat, men did not show more negative attitudes toward TGD people relative to men who did not receive this threat. As expected, there was no difference in attitudes toward TGD people in women who did and did not receive a threat. Being a man has an association with negative attitudes. Findings suggest that antiprejudice interventions toward the TGD population should target beliefs regarding gender ideology and essentialist beliefs to be effective. Future research should consider additional determinants of transnegativity, such as collective narcissism, emotional prejudice, positive intergroup contact, and mental health stigma. Public Significance StatementSociety can be a very hostile place for trans and gender diverse (TGD) people, and the present study has helped us identify some of the factors that are associated with negative attitudes. We describe findings from two studies that found the belief that gender is natural (and cannot be changed) and traditional beliefs about men and women's gender roles were associated with more negative attitudes toward TGD people. These findings can be used to inform future initiatives aimed at making society a more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.