Navigating gender nonconformity in Hong Kong: the contextual influence of peer gender norms on social connectedness and well-being

Gender nonconforming individuals often experience considerable stress, and these experiences are profoundly influenced by cultural context. This dynamic is evident in Hong Kong, where traditional Chinese values intersect with Western cultural exposure, creating a complex sociocultural landscape that governs attitudes towards gender diversity. This study employed a prospective research design to (1) examine the associations among gender nonconformity, social connectedness, and well-being over time and (2) explore the contextual influence of peer gender norms. A total of 373 young people (M age = 20.31 years, range = 17–28; 68.4% cisgender women) in Hong Kong were included in the study and asked to complete questionnaires at two time points. Results indicated that gender nonconformity was negatively associated with social connectedness and well-being over time, and these negative associations were significant only in peer groups strongly upholding traditional gender norms. These findings highlight the influence of guanxi and collectivism in Hong Kong, where peer networks play a critical role in enforcing or challenging gender norms. Culturally sensitive approaches to sexuality education and peer support programmes are essential to address the challenges faced by gender nonconforming individuals, whose well-being is closely tied to collective norms and peer dynamics.