Binary interpretations of nonbinary features: The impact of victims’ gendered characteristics on perceptions of sexual violence scenarios
DeFrain, Madi Demers, Jennifer M.
DeFrain, Madi
Demers, Jennifer M.
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2025
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Article
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Keywords
Nonbinary,Public perceptions,Sexual violence,Transgender
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Citation
DeFrain, M. A., & Demers, J. M. (2025). Binary interpretations of nonbinary features: The impact of victims’ gendered characteristics on perceptions of sexual violence scenarios. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000824
Abstract
Research suggests that nonbinary individuals are simultaneously at high risk of sexual violence victimization and unlikely to receive adequate postassault care. Though the latter disparity is a consequence of negative reactions to victims whose characteristics do not align with those of the stereotypical rape victim, there is a dearth of empirical work on the perceptions of victims who are not easily categorized within the gender binary. The current study therefore sought to compare perceptions of sexual violence scenarios involving victims with gender-neutral versus gender-typical characteristics. While no significant differences in attributions of responsibility were revealed across conditions, transphobia and rape myth acceptance were found to predict the ratings of victim responsibility in all three conditions. Rape myth acceptance, but not transphobia, predicted ratings of perpetrator responsibility. Qualitative results indicated substantial variation in how “nonbinary” is defined at the individual level, supporting the need for advocacy programs that aim to increase social recognition and acceptance of nonbinary people. © 2025 American Psychological Association
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American Psychological Association
Journal
Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
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23290382