Concepedia

The positive aspects of a transgender self-identification

Ellen D. B. Riggle, Sharon S. Rostosky, LaWanda E. McCants, David Pascale-Hague

Psychology and Sexuality · 2011 · 183 citations · 19 references

TL;DR

Prior research has focused on health risks and negative experiences of transgender individuals, neglecting the positive aspects of identification. The authors conducted an online survey of 61 transgender participants to collect self‑reports of positive identity aspects and compared these to prior research on gay, lesbian, and bisexual identities. Thematic analysis identified eight positive identity themes—such as self‑congruence, enhanced relationships, personal growth, empathy, a unique perspective on gender, living beyond the binary, activism, and community connection—and highlighted implications for strength‑based therapy and culturally competent counseling.

Abstract

Research to date has primarily focused on health risks, psychopathologies and negative life experiences with little attention to the positive aspects of identifying as transgender. An online survey collected data on self-reports of the positive aspects of a transgender identity (n = 61). Qualitative thematic analysis revealed eight positive identity themes: congruency of self; enhanced interpersonal relationships; personal growth and resiliency; increased empathy; a unique perspective on both sexes; living beyond the sex binary; increased activism; and connection to the GLBTQ communities. These findings are compared to previous research on the positive aspects of gay, lesbian and bisexual identities. The implications of these findings for providing strength-based therapeutic approaches and training counsellors to be culturally competent with transgender-identified clients are discussed.