Table of Contents

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………5
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………….6-7
Literature Review………………………………………………………………………………8-22
Body Modifications…………………….……………………………….……………..8-14
Stigma and Minority Stress Model……………………………………………………14-20
Genital Piercings in the Transgender Community..………………………………….20-21
Aims of Current Study..………………………………………………………………………22
Method…………………………………….………………………………………………….22-32
Participants………………………………….………………………………………..22-23
Procedure……………………………………………………………………………..23-27
Data Analysis…………………………….……………………………………………28-32
Results…………….……………………….………………………………….………………32-38
Motivations……………………………………………………………………………33-34
Making the Decision……………………………………………………………………..34
Expectations…………………………………………………………………………..34-35
Experience………………………………………………………………………………..35
Relation to Gender Identity and Expression…………………………………………..36-37
Why the Research is Important……………………………………………………….37-38
Discussion…………………………………….………………………………………………39-45
Motivations………………………………………………………………………………39
Making the Decision………………………………………………………………….39-40
Expectations…………………………………………………………………………..40-41
Experience………………………………………………………………………………..41
Relation to Gender Identity and Expression………………………………………….41-42
Why the Research is Important………………………………………………………42-43
Implications…………………………………………………………………………..43-44
Limitations of the Current Study……………………………………………………..44-45
Future Directions…………………………………………………………………………45
References…………………………………….…………………………………………………..46-51
Appendix A- Demographics Table ………………………………………………..………….…52
Appendix B- Definitions of Transgender Identities and Sexual Orientation………….….….53-54
Appendix C- Definitions of Transition-Related Procedures…………………………………55-56
Appendix D- Qualtrics Screener Survey…………………………..…………………………57-63
Appendix E- Consent Form for Interview……………………………………………………64-65
Appendix F- Semi-Structured Interview Script……………………….…………………………66