Identity Values of Chosen Names in Transgender and Non-Binary Youth: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

In present study the process of choosing a name in the transgender and non-binary (TGNB) community was investigated. A qualitative investigation with open-ended questions was conducted to achieve this goal. The total sample included 124 individuals (46 non-binary, 66 trans masculine, and 12 trans feminine). Seven overarching themes emerged from the reflective thematic analysis, which can be divided into two broad macro areas: 1) the process of deciding on a name; 2) identity values that the TGNB person’s choice of name may have. The peculiarities of the Italian context and the ways they affect the process are discussed.

Keywords:

• Chosen name
• identity
• identity affirmation
• non-binary
• transgender

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.

Notes

1 In the past, it was common in Italy, especially for people belonging to the Christian and Catholic communities, to give to their male children the middle name Maria, referring to the Virgin Mary, despite the fact that it is a typically female name.

2 Adaptation from the Italian solar [solare]. In Italian, this adjective is used to describe a joyful and cheerful person.