Gender Narratives: Experiences of Gender Identity Acceptance Among Transgender and Nonbinary Persons

Background
Extant literature suggests that transgender identity is developed in stages. Many of these theories suggest that physically and/or medically transitioning is the end outcome, and that one’s identity process stops at a certain point, disallowing for greater levels of fluidity throughout the process. Furthermore, several of these theories also fail to recognize an acceptance stage, which may precede that of transitioning, as an important component in itself. Additionally, self-acceptance as an aspect of gender identity development has also been conflated with self-disclosure, despite their different meanings.

Current studies have shown that many transgender individuals experience increased anxiety and suicidal ideation (SI) when they first begin to feel as though they may be transgender. The levels of depression and anxiety throughout the course of gender identity awareness and acceptance have not been mapped out, and there is limited knowledge pertaining to a timeline of emotional distress. It is also unknown what specific factors were the focus of emotional distress. Furthermore, much of the literature presented pertaining to TNB individuals focuses primarily on mental health disparities and does not speak to aspects of resilience or pieces that went well during gender identity processes. The research also neglects to look at how individuals are directly impacted by internal and external factors. Accordingly, this study aimed to better understand the experiences of TNB persons across their gender identity processes.

Methods
Data collection included semi-structured interviews with ten transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse participants across the United States. All participants were recruited through transgender specific social media outlets as well as through snowball sampling. Questions explored each participant’s own gender identity process, as well as how this impacted mental and physical health. Thematic and narrative analyses were conducted through an iterative and collaborative coding process of the interview transcripts.

Results
Preliminary results show common themes among transgender and nonbinary individuals indicating that having more representation in public facing outlets would have aided in their processes, as well as more explicit acknowledge from the community that questioning gender is accepted. Many interviewees reported knowing no transgender or nonbinary identified individuals before coming out. Furthermore, nearly all interviewees reported coming to their gender identity acceptance primarily through introspection and self-discovery. Feelings regarding mental health varied, with some participants reporting increased mental health concerns due to added societal stigma after coming out as TNB.

Conclusions
Existing literature regarding gender identity for transgender communities has primarily focused on the binary of transgender men and transgender women, excluding nonbinary and other gender diverse communities. Having a better understanding of the process of gender identity for binary and nonbinary transgender persons can better inform the current field of research, particularly in mitigating heightened anxiety experienced by TNB persons. These findings can also inform the ways in which development theories are utilized, expansion of more representative and inclusive gender identity theories, and more inclusive curriculum for persons working with TNB communities. Furthermore, findings can also be used in updating policy for TNB persons, particularly with regards to medical and legal entities.