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

Abstract

A purposive sample of 15 self-identified transgender adults who reported having appreciation for being transgender was recruited. Each participated in an individual, open-ended interview designed to tap the participant's lived experience with transgenderism as a valued aspect of life. Transcripts were analyzed using Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological processes. The results suggest that intimate connections with one's self, others, and a larger purpose constitute the essence of appreciating one's transgenderism. This report presents the findings related to participants’ intimate connection with the self. The results position social workers to recognize strengths of the transgender population and to engage in culturally competent practice.

KEYWORDS:

• transgender
• gender identity
• strengths perspective
• cultural competence
• hermeneutic phenomenology

Notes

¹Italicized type is used to indicate participants’ own emphasis when it was evident in the audio recordings.