Studies have shown that men and women tend to experience different types of alcohol-related harms to others (AHTO). Aggression and physical violence are more common among men whereas relationship and caretaking harms are more prevalent among women. However, few studies have examined AHTO among individuals who identify as gender and sexual minority (GSM). GSM populations may be at an increased risk of experiencing AHTO due to minority stress. The transition to college may also cause additional stress for GSM populations further increasing risk for AHTO. This study examines the association between gender and sexual identities and experiencing three AHTOs (unwanted sexual advances from a drinker, sexual assaults by someone who has been drinking, and babysitting an intoxicated person).
The study’s sample consisted of 8,578 college students who participated in the Healthy Minds Study. Gender identity was separated into four categories: cisgender male, cisgender female, trans masculine, and trans feminine. Students were also asked to select a sexual identity category: heterosexual, bisexual, gay/lesbian, and other identity (queer, questioning, and other sexual identities. Lastly, participants were asked if they had experienced unwanted sexual advances, sexual assault, or babysitting a student who had drank too much within the past 30 days. Data was analyzed using mixed-effects models.
Results of the data analysis showed that compared to cisgender males cisgender females had a 159% higher likelihood of reporting an unwanted sexual advance and a 36% greater chance of reporting babysitting a student who had drank too much. Compared to cisgender males, trans masculine students had 348% higher odds of reporting sexual assault. Individuals who identified with “other” sexual identities had a lower likelihood of reporting unwanted sexual advances compared to heterosexual students. Compared to non-drinkers, frequent binge drinkers were more likely to report all three AHTOs assessed.
Takeaway: Cisgender females and trans masculine college students may have higher odds of experiencing alcohol-related harms to others compared to other sexual and gender identities.