A Phenomenological Exploration of Transgender People’s Experiences Within the LGBT Community Kristen Martinez

Introduction Transgender persons “experience a mismatch between their biological sex and their psychological awareness of gender, feeling more comfortable in the identity of the other gender” (Wester et al., 2010). Though studies of LGB (lesbian, gay, bisexual) individuals are common, knowledge and research of the life experiences of transgender persons is needed in order to more effectively counsel these clients.

Literature Review Stigma is “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person” (“Stigma”, n.d.). Though T is included in the LGBT umbrella, transgender people still experience stigma (Singh et al., 2011). “[T]ransgender populations experience more intense discrimination and victimization than LGB populations because they challenge cultural norms related to both sexuality and gender” (Clements-Noelle et al., 2006). Being both non-trans and non-hetero enables LGB persons to form a close ingroup, whereas T persons may remain in the outgroup (Morrison, 2010).

Research Question “How do transgender individuals experience their positioning within the LGBT community with regard to stigma?”

Method A phenomenological research design was chosen in order to more fully understand the essence of the lived experiences of transgender individuals as members of the LGBT community.

Participants Participants were self-identified transgender individuals living in the Gainesville, Florida, area who were willing to describe their lived experiences in the LGBT community.

Procedure Snowball sampling was used to identify participants. Participants from the local gay club, UC, and the local university’s Pride Student Union organization were interviewed, then asked to give names of other transgender persons who could potentially become participants. This research study was reviewed and approved by the IRB.

Instrumentation Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. Sample questions include: “How has your status as transgender facilitated your involvement with the LGBT community?” “Do you find yourself a valued member of the LGBT community? Describe what this feels like for you.” “Have you ever felt excluded from the LGBT community? If so, what was this like? If not, have you ever felt that someone else has been excluded?” “Is there a difference with whom you are close with in the LGBT community with regard to their sexual orientations and gender identities?”

References Clements-Noelle, K., Marx, R., & Katz, M. (2006). Attempted suicide among transgender persons: The influence of gender-based discrimination and victimization. Journal of Homosexuality, 51, 53-69. Morrison, E. G. (2010). Transgender as ingroup or outgroup? Lesbian, gay, and bisexual viewers respond to a transgender character in daytime television. Journal of Homosexuality, 57, 650-665. Singh, A. A., Hays, D. G., & Watson, L. S. (2011). Strength in the face of adversity: Resilience strategies of transgender individuals. Journal of Counseling & Development, 89, 20-27. Stigma. (n.d.). In Oxford Reference. Retrieved from http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20111007171501221 Wester, S. R., McDonough, T. A., White, M., Vogel, D. L., & Taylor, L. (2010). Using gender role conflict theory in counseling male-to-female transgender individuals. Journal of Counseling & Development, 88, 214-219.