Gender is Performance and Performance is Behavior: Moving Behavior Analysis Beyond the Binary

Abstract

Behavior analysts are often underprepared to implement gender-affirming practices with clients, supervisees, colleagues, and stakeholders. The purposes of this mixed methods study were to (a) explore behavior analysts’ knowledge of, experiences with, and needs for implementing gender- affirming practices; (b) identify if behavior analysts who complete a gender-affirming practice training showed greater understanding of and confidence in applying gender-affirming practices; and (c) what behavior analysts’ perceptions were of the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of the training. The mixed methods study included focus group interviews and a quasi-experimental pre/post analysis. Findings indicated that gender-affirming practice trainings can be effective in increasing knowledge related to gender-affirming care and confidence in applying such practices for behavior analysts.