Navigating identity development and community belonging when “there are only two boxes to check”: An exploratory study of nonbinary trans college students

Abstract

Within the small research literature on transgender college students, little work has focused on nonbinary trans students. Findings from focus groups with seven nonbinary trans students revealed that participants explored and found support for their nonbinary trans identities online and offline, valuing in particular the support of other nonbinary people and the opportunities afforded in a college setting. Participants often felt compelled to be educators regarding gender and experienced tension between wanting recognition of their authentic gender and wishing to avoid the scrutiny that came with self-advocacy. Participant-generated recommendations for improving the campus experiences of nonbinary trans students are provided.