Embodying Transgender: An Analysis of Trans Women in Online Forums

This paper discusses the way that trans women embody their transgender identity, focusing on identity questioning, gender dysphoria, clinical gatekeeping and medicalized narratives. Situated within the hermeneutics methodological approach, we adopted the unobtrusive research as our research method, where data was derived from online forums where trans women posted content about their perspectives and experiences of gender and gender transitioning. Thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. Our findings suggest that gender identity is embodied and socially negotiated. Many trans women were initially ambivalent about their transgender identity and some continued to question their desired identity throughout adulthood. When presenting to healthcare professionals many trans women reported being expected to adopt a ‘wrong body’ narrative in order to gain access to treatment and surgery for gender transitioning and affirmation. In doing so, trans women interact with significant others and health care providers, and face many challenges. These challenges must be understood so that trans women can perform self-determination practices as a way to achieve gender autonomy

Crossing the line: Lived experience of sexual violence among trans women of colour from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Australia

The project aim was to increase understanding of the lived experience of being a trans woman of colour living in Australia, in relation to gender transitioning and experiences of sexual violence. The project used a sequential mixed methods design and a feminist intersectional approach to address this aim. The research design, data collection and analysis, and outcomes from the findings were underpinned by principles of integrated knowledge translation, which included input from an advisory group and trans community stakeholders, integrating lived experience into the knowledge production and translation process. Study methods included: thirty-one interviews with trans women of colour, and follow-up interviews with 19 women which included photovoice analysis of thirty-nine online forum threads, with 480 unique posters and 950 comments, in relation to discussion of trans sexual violence a national survey exploring sexual violence and women’s responses to violence that included trans women, cisgender heterosexual women and cisgender lesbian, bisexual or queer women. The research found that trans women of colour living in Australia are more likely than other women to report having been assaulted by a stranger. The report shows that trans women of colour are subject to pervasive violence both outside and inside the home, from verbal violence—such as catcalling—to assaults. As a result, there are very few places where trans women of colour are safe from abuse. This research demonstrates that the absence of culturally competent information and knowledge about transgender experience, accompanied by misinformation, can lead to stigma, prejudice and discrimination, results in unmet health and justice needs for trans women. This can have serious consequences for trans women’s physical and psychological wellbeing. The report includes recommendations for policy and practice

Sexual violence and safety: the narratives of transwomen in online forums

An online forum analysis was conducted to explore experiences of sexual violence and safety among transwomen, with a particular focus on transwomen of colour. Four online forums were chosen for the analysis. Three key themes were identified: dating and violence in intimate relationships; fear of violence and safety strategies; and coping after sexual assault. Forum posters faced heightened gender policing and scrutiny, due to not conforming to normative ideals of femininity. Femininity was also predicated on white, middle-class status, and associated with domesticity and romance. As a result, expressions of femininity from non-white backgrounds could be read as deviant or excessive. The intersection of deviation from gender norms and femininity based on whiteness meant that transwomen of colour faced disproportionate levels of violence, both in public and private spaces. Transwomen of colour also faced disadvantage due to participation in higher-risk forms of sex work, low socioeconomic status and employment, and institutional discrimination. Coping mechanisms to deal with cumulative disadvantage included seeking support from health professionals and transgender community networks. However, it also included more harmful forms of self-medicating such as heavy alcohol and drug use, self-harm and suicide attempts

"We need to be heard, respected, and supported" : the impact of sexual healthcare interactions and discrimination on the mental health of trans and gender diverse people

The history of trans and gender diverse (TGD)1 healthcare has been characterised by a lack of understanding and erasure around how individuals experience their gender and sexuality. TGD people often bear the brunt of stigma and discrimination based on their gender and expression, which has significant impacts on their lives and healthcare (Balik et al., 2020). In most societies around the world, TGD people face marginalisation from multiple, often intersecting, aspects of their daily life, including legal, economic, educational, employment, housing, medical, social, and cultural forms of discrimination (James et al., 2016). At the same time, the invisibility of TGD people within population-based data collection and research continues to preclude trans health and social issues from being considered and represented within policy and resource and service allocation (Callander et al., 2019). Specifically, TGD people often face significant barriers to adequate healthcare compared to cisgender (cis) counterparts (Shires & Jaffee, 2015). This is, in part, attributable to fear, stigma, transphobia, lack of trans inclusive and specific services, and healthcare workers being under-informed of the specific needs for trans and gender diverse patients, which subsequently leads to unmet health needs and discrimination within mainstream health services (Balik, et al., 2020; Poteat, German, & Kerrigan, 2013; Ussher, Allison, Perz, Power, & The Out with Cancer Study Team, 2022a)

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

[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

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

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