DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/X4BY-SJ76
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Maurice Gattis
Second Advisor
Jacob Goffinett
Third Advisor
Denise Burnette
Fourth Advisor
Eli Coston
Abstract
Transgender individuals face disproportionate employment discrimination, with unemployment rates five times higher than the general population. Despite growing awareness of workplace diversity, transgender women continue to experience systemic barriers to economic security and professional fulfillment. This dissertation examines the employment experiences and coping strategies of transgender women in Medellín, Colombia, a city characterized by both progressive policies and persistent challenges. Using an exploratory-descriptive qualitative design, this study employed reflexive thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 18 transgender women. Two theoretical frameworks—Puwar's "Bodies Out of Place" and Minority Stress Theory—guided the analysis of how transgender women navigate predominantly cisgender employment environments. Findings revealed seven interconnected themes: Systemic Exclusion, Resistance to Transgender Bodies, Limited Employment Opportunities, Coerced Conformity, Affirming Dimensions of Positive Employment Experience, Transformative Resilience, and Transformative Inclusion. This study contributes to understanding transgender employment experiences in Colombian contexts, highlighting both significant barriers and pathways to inclusion. Implications for social work practitioners, employers, policymakers, and researchers emphasize the need for interventions that address both immediate discrimination and underlying systemic inequities while recognizing transgender women's resilience and agency in navigating hostile employment environments.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-8-2025