The work experiences of transgender individuals: Negotiating the transition and career decision-making processes.

TLDR

The study interviewed 18 transgender individuals (13 male‑to‑female, 2 female‑to‑male, 2 gender‑queer, 1 cross‑dresser) to examine their work experiences during gender transition. Grounded‑theory analysis revealed two models: a three‑phase work‑transition process (pre‑, during‑, post‑transition) with themes of preparation, coming out, presentation, others’ reactions, and coping, and a career‑decision model comprising occupational barriers, prospects, aspirations, action, gratification, and contextual influences.

Abstract

This study explored the work experiences of individuals who have started transitioning from their biological sex to a different gender expression through 18 interviews of transgender-identified individuals. Thirteen of the participants identified as male-to-female transsexuals, 2 participants identified as female-to-male transsexuals, 2 participants identified as female-bodied gender queer individuals, and 1 participant identified as a biological male cross-dresser. Using a grounded theory (K. Charmaz, 2006) approach, 2 separate work experience models emerged: (a) the process of gender transitioning at work and (b) the career decision-making process. The 3 phases of the first model included a pretransition phase, during the transition phase, and posttransition phase. Within these 3 phases, the following 5 major themes emerged: preparation for the work transition, coming out at work, presentation and appearance at work, others’ reactions at work, and affective/coping experiences related to work. The second model resulted in 6 major themes related to career decision making: occupational barriers, occupational prospects, occupational aspirations, taking action, occupational gratification, and contextual influences.