Gender euphoria: a grounded theory exploration of experiencing gender affirmation

ABSTRACT

Gender euphoria is a term increasingly used in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) communities. Experiences of gender euphoria are often overlooked during clinical assessment and most academic research tends to focus solely on discussions of gender dysphoria. The primary aim of this study is to use grounded theory combined with photo-elicitation methodologies to gather a more nuanced understanding of experiences of gender euphoria in the lives of TGD individuals. Data for this study was collected via online photo-elicitation interviews with TGD adults (n = 30). Descriptive and visual data clarify gender euphoria as a concept as well as reveal the ways in which it is experienced among TGD adults. The primary themes emerging from the study yield the following four key processes, which explain experiences of gender euphoria: 1. Being exposed to a gender affirming antecedent, 2. Having an affirming thought, 3. Feeling a positive emotion, and 4. Experiencing enhanced quality of life. Participants’ discussions elicited through self-selected images contribute to a more meaningful understanding of gender affirmation in the lives of TGD people. Findings highlight the relationship between gender affirmation, gender euphoria, and the potentiation for long-term positive change.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender euphoria
• gender affirmation
• transgender

Acknowledgments

We would like to extend our gratitude to the resilient transgender and gender diverse participants who shared their stories, images, and experiences with our research team.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Transgender will be used as a general term of gender diversity which includes binary and non-binary experiences of gender.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ashley Austin

Ashley Austin received her MSW and PhD in Social Welfare from Florida International University. Dr. Austin is Professor of Social Work at Barry University and Distinguished Professor for the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice. She is also a licenced clinical social worker and member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. Her research and clinical practice interests revolve around advancing well-being among transgender and gender diverse individuals through transgender affirmative research, clinical practice and education.

Ryan Papciak

Ryan Papciak received his MSW from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He is currently a second year PhD student at Barry University School of Social Work and a licenced clinical social worker. He is the Project Director of the, Trans Perspectives Research Lab affiliated with Barry University’s Center for Human Rights and Social Justice. His dissertation research focuses on the relationship between gender dysphoria and trauma symptoms for transgender and gender diverse adults.

Lindsay Lovins

Lindsay Lovins received her MSW from Barry University School of Social Work. She is a Research Assistant in the, Trans Perspectives Research Lab affiliated with Barry University’s Center for Human Rights and Social Justice. Her research interests investigate topics related to human sexuality and relationships, affirming LGBTQ+ interventions, and the intersection of gender identity and self-image for transgender and gender diverse individuals.