A Networked Model of Ecological Systems Theory to Discuss Concerns in Italian Bisexual+ and Transgender People After the Block of the “Zan Bill” by Senate

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore the concerns felt by Italian transgender and bisexual+ individuals following the block of the Zan Bill by the Senate, a law against hate crimes based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. Methods: The study was conducted online from December 2021 to March 2022. A qualitative investigation of participants’ answers to the following open-ended question was conducted: “What potential concerns rose in you or were reinforced as a result of the Zan Bill’s block?” The total sample included 201 Italian individuals (137 bisexual+ and 64 transgender). Coding reliability thematic analysis of participants’ responses was conducted. Results: Through a coding reliability thematic analysis, the authors generated three overarching themes, which can be divided into eight subthemes. The three overarching themes were as follows: (1) concerns for personal safety, i.e., concerns related to expectations of discrimination, physical or psychological violence in various life circumstances, or decreased well-being; (2) concerns about the safety of loved ones or other LGBTQIA+ individuals, women+, and people with disabilities; and (3) concerns about the rule of law in Italy, i.e., concerns related to future sociopolitical scenarios in Italy for bisexual+ and transgender people rights. Themes related to concerns raised among Italian transgender and bisexual+ people have been discussed by adopting the networked model of ecological systems theory. Conclusions: The block of the Zan Bill raised or reinforced concerns at the individual, family, organizational, and systemic-institutional levels. Policy Implications: The development of policies in favor and support of Italian bisexual+ and transgender people would increase their well-being.