Transgender People of Color: Experiences and Coping During the School-Age Years

Abstract

Eleven individuals who identified as transgender people of color (TPOC) were interviewed about their retrospective school-age experiences and how they learned to cope during youth and adolescence. Consensual qualitative research methodology was used to code and analyze data. Four key themes were identified including a model of TPOC identity development. Implications for the practice of school counseling and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Identity
• people of color
• qualitative research
• school counselor
• transgender

Acknowledgements

Research reported in this article is part of a Faculty Development Grant supported by Mercy College under Institutional Review Board protocol number 16–65. The study investigators are Jack Simons, PhD (PI), Leeann Grant (Co-Investigator), and Jose M. Rodas (Co-Investigator). The authors thank the participants and recognize Mercy College students James Lee and Sherene Henry for assisting with interviews.

Disclosure statement

We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.