UIS researchers examine attitudes towards transgender rights in national survey

Researchers at the University of Illinois Springfield are releasing results of a national survey exploring attitudes towards transgender rights and supportive policies.

The survey of 774 respondents finds 81 percent of U.S. adults believe that transgender persons deserve the same rights and protections as other Americans. Yet, support for specific policies varies by demographics. For example, 41 percent support using public funds to cover gender dysphoria treatment for transgender persons, but support is significantly higher among females (48%) compared to males (33%).

The survey was conducted by Ashley Kirzinger, director of the UIS Survey Research Office, and Jason Pierceson, UIS associate professor of political science.

The survey project, “Examining Attitudes Toward the “T” in LGBT,” asks individuals about several key policy areas including healthcare, prisons, military service, and K-12 education.

“While there is broad support for equal treatment under the law for transgender individuals, the public is currently less supportive of discrete policy proposals crucial to the support and protection of the transgender community,” said Pierceson. “This demonstrates that activists and policymakers still have much work to do to educate the public about the policy needs of the transgender community.”

Participants were recruited using Qualtrics, an online survey firm, and the survey’s questionnaire and methodology was overseen by Kirzinger.

“Developing a questionnaire that allowed individuals to voice their opinions without forcing them into answers on issues on which they might not know enough was extremely difficult,” said Kirzinger. “Yet, this survey is an important in-depth examination of public attitudes towards transgender supportive policies.”

The survey is representative of the national adult population and also includes a sub-sample of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

For the complete survey report, visit www.uis.edu/surveyresearchoffice. The survey results will be presented by Pierceson and Kirzinger on August 29, 2015 at the Springfield LGBT Equality Institute. For more information on the Institute, visit www.equalityillinois.us/springfield-institute-2015/.

Questions about the survey may be directed to Kirzinger at 217/206-7956 or akirz2@uis.edu. Pierceson may be reached at 217/206-7842 or jpier2@uis.edu.