Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6371-329X
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Maurice Gattis
Abstract
Relationships with family members can be a vital source of support, and significant stressor, that contributes to mental health outcomes among transgender and gender diverse young adults who are racially and ethnically marginalized (TGD REMY). Guided by a life history narrative approach, this qualitative study explored family affirmation and rejection among TGD REMY across three aims: (a) how TGD REMY define their experiences of family rejection and/or affirmation, (b) whether and how experiences of rejection/affirmation change throughout the lifetime, and (c) whether and how experiences of rejection/affirmation differ by each family member. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 TGD REMY aged 18-25 years living in Virginia. Interviews were analyzed by one coder using an integration of Template Analysis and Narrative Analysis techniques and exploring code co-occurrence through Dedoose software. Nine themes emerged for the first aim: (a) affirmation/rejection within intersections of identity, (b) living within/outside of family gender rules, (c) using language, (d) providing material support, (e) intent versus impact, (f) effort matters, (g) ambiguity, (h) (mis)alignments between expectations/reality, and (i) managing family attitudes. Two themes emerged for aim 2: (a) became more affirming and (b) became less affirming. In aim 3, participants spent the majority of the interviews discussing their family of origin, but talked about their family of choice as being most affirming of their gender. Differences in code co-occurrence were found across themes in aims 1 and 2. Implications for future research practice with TGD REMY, and policy advocacy are discussed.
Rights
© Angela Matijczak
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-3-2024