Perceptions and worldviews of Gender-switching individuals

Introduction: Existing transgender research often focuses on individuals who have publicly disclosed their identity or belong to activist circles, potentially creating selection bias. This study addresses this gap by capturing a "hidden" population—those whose gender identity transitions are observed implicitly through longitudinal surveys. We explore how these individuals' subjective well-being and worldviews differ from the majority, testing whether gender minorities align with the progressive stereotypes often assumed in social discourse. Methods: Utilizing an individual-level panel dataset from Japan (2016–2024, N > 32,000 observations), we applied a robust identification strategy by tracking respondents who changed their reported gender across survey waves (n = 27). To ensure data integrity, we verified the stability of other demographic variables to rule out random entry errors. We employed Ordered Logit models and marginal effect analysis to compare their characteristics—including happiness, health, and gender-related perceptions—with cisgender respondents. Results: The results reveal several significant disparities: (1) Gender-switching respondents were 7% and 12% less likely to report happiness and good health, respectively. (2) They showed 5% lower support for both women's empowerment policies and traditional marriage norms, suggesting a unique resistance to binary gender frameworks. (3) They were 12% less likely to make independent career decisions, with a 2% higher reliance on parental or teacher guidance. (4) They exhibited 5% higher general social distrust. Conclusions: While health and well-being disparities align with international "minority stress" literature, the findings challenge the monolithic view of transgender individuals as universally progressive. Their rejection of both liberal and conservative gender-related statements suggests that the gender binary itself is a source of discomfort. Furthermore, the reliance on traditional authorities in career choices highlights the complex negotiation between identity and social conformity in the East Asian cultural context. Policy Implications: Social policies should move beyond one-size-fits-all advocacy that assumes a uniform political orientation among gender minorities. Inclusion strategies must account for the internal diversity of the transgender community, particularly those who remain "closeted" or hold conservative values. Effective support requires addressing the deep-seated distrust and the psychological burden imposed by a rigid binary gender axis in institutional and familial settings. JEL Classification: J16; Z13