Strength in the Face of Adversity: Resilience Strategies of Transgender Individuals

Abstract

This phenomenological inquiry explored the lived experiences of resilience of 21 transgender individuals. Through individual semistructured interviews (3 interviews each with 5 participants) and 1 focus group interview (16 participants), the authors identified 5 common resiliency themes (evolving a self‐generated definition of self, embracing self‐worth, awareness of oppression, connection with a supportive community, and cultivating hope for the future) and 2 variant themes (social activism and being a positive role model for others). Future practice and research directions are discussed.

Transgender Parents and Their Adult Children's Experiences of Disclosure and Transition

“…Grant and colleagues (2011) report high levels of housing, employment, medical, and other types of discrimination among transgender individuals. Special attention has been paid to the role of social support in the lives of GLBT people and their families, as a central component of bonadaptation in samesex-headed households and among transgender individuals (Arm, Horne, & Levitt, 2009;Cahill, Battle, & Meyer, 2004;Mason-Schrock, 1996;Singh, Hays, & Watson, 2011). Social support serves as a protective factor in a number of situations including caregiving for family members, acculturation, and marital loss (Crockett et al, 2008;Hewitt, Turrell, & Giskes, 2010;Wilks & Croom, 2008).…”

A comparison of health disparities among transgender adults in Colorado (USA) by race and income

“…Researchers and clinicians identify a variety of strategies and coping mechanisms that help to alleviate the psychological stressors of stigma and discrimination (Bockting et al, 2013;Singh, 2013;Singh, Hays, & Watson, 2011).…”

“…Among these resources are: familial support and acceptance; peer support and acceptance; finding one's place in a supportive community; achieving a sense of pride in their identity; actively defining their identity on their own terms; establishing a sense of self-worth and advocacy; and recognizing the myriad of ways they face oppression (Bockting et al, 2013;Singh, 2013;Singh et al, 2011). Peer support in the form of information sharing has been found to moderate the impacts of stigma and mental health challenges (Bockting et al, 2013;Nemoto et al, 2011).…”

“…There is a need to consider ways in which practitioners can be more competent and inclusive in order to improve access to healthcare for transgender people (Poteat et al, 2013;Singh et al, 2011;White Hughto et al, 2015). Providers should address health disparities in transgender persons by adjusting their standards of practice to be more inclusive and sensitive to transgender identities and needs.…”

Being True, Whole, and Strong: A Phenomenology of Transgenderism As a Valued Life Experience

“…She uncovered several protective strategies used by genderqueer persons at the individual, family, and social levels. The second such study, by Singh, Hays, and Watson (2011), involved individual interviews and focus groups with 21 transgender adults. Participants were asked to share their experiences of resilience, and their narratives generated important themes related to self-worth, self-determination, and community support.…”