https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2666-9453
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Abstract
Literature on mobility justice suggest that socially disadvantaged people experience uneven access to movement. The theme of diversity in terms of gender and its interplay with mobility and leisure have attracted some scholarly attention. However, research into transgender and gender diverse mobilities and its impact to leisure access remains limited, particularly from non-Western perspectives. This paper endeavors to fill this gap by investigating transgender and gender diverse mobilities in Istanbul, Turkey. Drawing upon 49 qualitative interviews with gender diverse and transgender public transport users in Istanbul, this study contributes to a scholarly discussion exploring the relationship between gender diversity, mobility, and their access to leisure. As such, it furthers the field of gender-oriented leisure. Transgender and gender diverse individuals continue to face significant issues, such as violence, discrimination, and harassment, when using public transport. Based on the experiences of the respondents, this paper concludes that driver training and education, and proactive educational messaging around gender minorities in public spaces could significantly improve the comfort and safety of transgender and gender diverse public transport users.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the participants of the interviews. Their participation has greatly enhanced the understanding of the topic. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Notes
1 The LGBTQI + acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and other sexuality and gender identities. The authors of this paper acknowledge the fluidity and complexity of sexualities and gender identities.