The Costs and Benefits of ‘Passing’: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Evidence on Passing for Trans Individuals and Communities

Passing is a contentious issue within the trans community. Some trans people strive to pass as cisgender as an inherent goal or to reduce dysphoria, enhance safety, and potentially to facilitate acceptance. Others argue that trans people should not need to pass and that expectations to do so can cause harm to the trans community. This review aimed to systematically source and synthesize the existing qualitative literature that explores the costs and benefits of passing for trans people.

Citation:
Anderson JR, Burstall J, Schweizer K, Tan KJ. The Costs and Benefits of ‘Passing’: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Evidence on Passing for Trans Individuals and Communities. Sex Roles. 2025;91(6):45.

Keywords:
Gender and Sexuality; Gender and STS; Gender Studies;
Gender, Sexuality and Law; Identity Politics; Language and Gender

Abstract:
Passing is a contentious issue within the trans community. Some trans people strive to pass as cisgender as an inherent goal or to reduce dysphoria, enhance safety, and potentially to facilitate acceptance. Others argue that trans people should not need to pass and that expectations to do so can cause harm to the trans community. This review aimed to systematically source and synthesize the existing qualitative literature that explores the costs and benefits of passing for trans people.