[In Press] Gender affirmation and social exclusion amongst trans women of color in Australia

Introduction: Transgender (trans) women of color navigate the intersected identity frames of gender, race, social class and sexuality, whilst facing multiple layers of stigma, discrimination and violence during and following gender affirmation. However, little is known about the ways in which trans women of color negotiate gender affirmation, in the context of the risk of social exclusion and violence. Aim: This article discusses the experience and construction of gender transitioning and gender affirmation for trans women of color living in Australia, associated with the risk of social exclusion or violence. Method: In-depth interviews and photovoice were conducted with 31 trans women of color, analyzed through theoretical thematic analysis informed by intersectionality theory. Results: The following themes were identifed: 1) ‘Gender affirmation: A bittersweet experience’, with three subthemes: ‘Self-empowerment is tempered by family rejection’, ‘Migration facilitates gender affirmation’ and ‘Gender affirmation and social support’; 2) ‘Being a trans woman of color’, subthemes: ‘Bodily agency and passing’, ‘Femininity as pleasure and cultural self-expression’, and ‘Resisting archetypal White hetero-femininity’; 3) ‘Hormones, surgical intervention and navigating the health system’. Conclusion: Gender transitioning and gender affirmation involved the intersection of gender, cultural, social class and sexual identities, accomplished through personal agency and with the support of significant others. To ensure that policy and support services meet the needs of trans women of color, it is critical that the voices of such multiply-marginalized women are at the center of leadership, program and policy development

[In Press] Crossing boundaries and fetishization : experiences of sexual violence for trans women of color

Transgender (trans) women are at higher risk of sexual violence than cisgender women, with trans women of color reported to be at highest risk. This study examined subjective experiences of sexual violence for 31 trans women of color living in Australia, average age 29 (range 18–54), through in-depth interviews. An additional photovoice activity and follow-up interviews were completed by 19 women. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis and feminist intersectionality theory, identifying the following themes. The first theme, “‘A sexually tinged violation of boundaries’: Defining sexual violence,” examined women’s definition of sexual violence, including staring and verbal abuse, nonconsensual touching and sexual assault, in both public and private contexts. The second theme, “‘Crossing people’s boundaries’: Sexual harassment in the public domain,” examined the frequent sexual harassment women experienced in their daily lives. This included the subtheme, “A hostile gaze: Public staring and ‘weird looks’” and “Mockery and transphobic abuse: Verbal abuse is sexual violence.” The third theme, “‘Crossing bodily boundaries’: Experiences of sexual assault,” included the subthemes “‘Unwanted sexual touch’: Groping and forced sex by strangers,” “Danger in relationships: Sexual assault and manipulation,” “Sexual violence in the context of sex work,” and “‘We’re turned into something we’re not’: Fetishization and the sexual other.” The poor health outcomes experienced by many trans women are closely associated with their exposure to sexual violence and the social inequities and transphobia to which they are subjected. Trans women of color may experience additional prejudice and discrimination due to the intersection of gender, sexuality, race, and social class. Our research suggests that understanding these intersectionalities is integral in understanding the sexual violence experiences of trans women of color

Researching sexual violence with trans women of color in Australia

This chapter discusses the research process that was employed in understanding the lived experiences of sexual violence among trans women of color in Australia, and the outcomes that had been planned and achieved. Transgender (trans) refers to individuals whose gender presentation differs from their sex assigned at birth. The term transgender includes a range of identities such as trans woman, trans man, nonbinary, or gender diverse. Gender incongruence, where one may experience a discrepancy between their gender identity and their gender assigned at birth, often result in gender expression and behavior that do not conform to the traditional gender binary. Within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community (LGBTQ), trans individuals are most stigmatized and yet least understood. Existing research regarding trans persons tends to focus on White, middle-class trans women. Limited research has focused on sexual violence among trans women. Importantly, little is known about the lived experiences of being a trans women of color in Australia and their experience of sexual violence. This research filled the gap in the health and social science literature. This chapter will generate great interest from health and social care researchers who aim to embark on research concerning sensitive issues and vulnerable and marginalized individuals in the future. The chapter discusses an innovative means that can promote social inclusion in research among trans women of color. This project provides a valuable example of inclusive research with a group of marginalized individuals. The authors also hope that our project and its findings will lead to better health and well-being of trans women of color living in Australia and elsewhere

Trans women's responses to sexual violence : vigilance, resilience, and need for support

Despite experiencing high rates of sexual violence, there is limited research that explores coping and support needs among trans women of color and those from migrant backgrounds. This article examines the impact of sexual violence, as well as responses and support needs in relation to sexual violence, among 31 trans women of color, aged between 18–54 years, living in Australia. Women were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling, local LGBTQI+networks, and social media. Study advertisements invited participation from people 18 years and older, who identifed as a “trans woman of color” or “trans woman from a non-English speaking background,” to take part in a study about their lives as trans women of color and experiences of sexual violence. In-depth interviews and photovoice took place between September 2018 and September 2019. Findings were analyzed through thematic analysis, drawing on intersectionality theory. Sexual violence was reported to be associated with fear, anxiety, and depression, and, for a minority of women, self-blame. While women reported hypervigilance and avoiding going out in public as measures to anticipate and protect themselves from sexual violence, they also demonstrated agency and resilience. This included putting time and effort into appearing as a cisgender woman, naming violence, seeking support, rejecting self-blame, and engaging in self-care practices to facilitate healing. Trans women highlighted the need for multi-faceted sexual violence prevention activities to encourage education, empowerment and cultural change across the general population and support services, in order to promote respect for gender, sexuality and cultural diversity