Discrimination based on gender identity against transgender women and travestis in Brazil: a latent class analysis and associated factors

ABSTRACT

Objective

To identify groups of transgender women and travestis (TGW) with specific patterns of gender-based discrimination (GBD) and analyze the factors associated with GBD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with TGW recruited through respondent-driven sampling in five Brazilian cities (2019-2021). Latent class analysis was used to characterize GBD (low, medium, and high) using 14 observable variables. Descriptive analysis was performed, and associations between predictor variables and GBD were estimated by adjusted odds ratios (aOR) using ordinal logistic regression.

Results

Out of a total of 1,317 TGW, 906 (68.8%) answered questions about GBD. Most were under 34 years old, single, and had a Brown race/skin color. GBD was classified as “low,” “medium,” and “high,” with estimates of 41.7, 44.5, and 13.8%, respectively. Variables positively associated with higher intensity of GBD included living in Manaus compared to São Paulo, being ≤34 years old compared to >34, being homeless compared to living in one’s own house or rented apartment, not having legally changed one’s name compared to those who had, and reporting physical or sexual violence compared to those who did not report. Variables negatively associated with higher intensity of GBD included having a Brown or Asian race/skin color compared to White and a monthly income ≥1 minimum wage compared to ³1.

Conclusion

A high proportion of GBD was observed in Brazilian TGW, with this outcome associated with more vulnerable sociodemographic characteristics and a history of violence.

Keywords:
Transgender persons; Transgender women; Discrimination; Gender identity; Latent class analysis; Brazil