‘I’m me, and I’m Chinese and also transgender’: coming out complexities of Asian-Canadian transgender youth

Abstract

The complexities of developing and disclosing multiple, marginalized, minority identities is theoretically recognized by Minority Stress Theory and the concept of intersectionality; however, the experiences of people living at these intersections, such as Asian transgender youth, are under-examined. Consequently, they remain a largely erased community, often excluded from the research and services that are assumed to include them. The present study attempted to ameliorate this erasure by examining the coming out experiences of eight Asian-Canadian transgender youth. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was utilized from Minority Stress Theory and intersectional perspectives to advance understanding of their coming out experiences and the contexts that maintain their marginalization. Semi-structured individual interviews elicited three themes: (a) Maintaining Family Cohesion; (b) Experiencing Adultism; and (c) Creating Community. Implications for service provision and future research are discussed with emphasis on attending to their whole personhood, which necessarily includes the individual, their community, and the systemic structures that perpetuate oppression.

Keywords:

• Transgender
• Asian
• youth
• minorities
• coming out
• intersectionality

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the following people, who were invaluable supports in undertaking this piece of research: Dr. Vaneeta Sandhu provided insights and advice on the themes and discussion points during the research process. Dr. Vanessa Hazell assisted with coding and clarifying the themes that were identified from the transcripts.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sulin Tan

Sulin Tan, PsyD, was a graduate student of the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) program at Adler University in Vancouver, Canada. Her research focuses on social justice advocacy of invisible and marginalized identities. Now a Registered Psychologist in Alberta, Canada, she is dedicated to creating space for marginalized voices and supporting people from a holistic and empowerment perspective.

Cindy Weisbart

Cindy Weisbart, PsyD, is a Registered Psychologist in British Columbia, Canada. Her clinical practice and research focuses upon building shared understandings of the lived experiences of individuals. She incorporates intersectional, feminist, and anti-oppression lenses to her work and life.