Breaking the binary: Restriction and reclamation of power among transgender and gender diverse young adults

Abstract

Binary gender norms in the U.S. contribute to the systemic marginalization of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. These norms shape beliefs and assumptions about TGD young adults; inform the policies that govern their rights, the settings they occupy, and research conducted about them. Experiences based on binary conceptions of gender may leave TGD young adults feeling disempowered and require they develop resilient strategies to maintain or reclaim power and control over their lives and decisions. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms through which TGD young adults (ages 18 to 24) demonstrate resilience and resist oppressive gender norms. In collaboration with a TGD young adult advisory team, we used a participatory focus group method (Youth GO) to engage TGD participants in critically examining power and powerlessness in the context of their multiple identities and life experiences. Findings revealed distinct mechanisms of power that work to either restrict or restore TGD young adults’ power over their identity and autonomy. Mechanisms operated differently as a function of age, race, gender identity, gender presentation, and socio-economic status. Findings point to concrete and actionable policy and practice interventions that would foster validation and inclusion of TGD young adults across several settings.

Keywords:

• transgender
• gender diverse
• gender-nonconforming
• power
• gendered power

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of our youth research and advisory team. Ethan, Ash, Reid, and Erika, words will not do justice for how grateful we are for your collaboration, your time, and insight. Sending so much gratitude and appreciation to you all.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 Due to the sudden onset of Covid-19, one focus group was conducted virtually on Zoom using the procedures described for the in-person focus groups.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a The Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine’s LGBTQIA Adolescent & Young Adult Health Research Award. Additionally, Danielle Chiaramonte’s contribution to this project was partially supported by the National Institute of Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health [T32DA019426]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funders. The authors have assured that no financial interest or benefit has arisen from the direct applications of this research.

Notes on contributors

Danielle Chiaramonte

Danielle Chiaramonte is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale School of Public Health in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Chiaramonte is a part of the Yale LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative and conducts community engaged research that promotes organization and system-level change, particularly in the areas of LGBTQ mental health, sexual health, gender-based violence, and implementation science.

Reid Ellefson-Frank

Reid Ellefson-Frank is a graduate student at University of Massachusetts Amherst in the Department of Anthropology. His research pertains to how the politics of memory affects the way our society does archaeology, conservation, and the presentation of information about the American Civil War.

Robin Lin Miller

Robin Lin Miller is a Professor of Psychology at Michigan State University. Robin’s scholarship focuses on access to HIV prevention and treatment and on LGBTQ community-led responses to addressing the global HIV epidemic.