Transgender microaggressions in the context of romantic relationships
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2017-10-17
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Towson University. Department of Psychology
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Abstract
Microaggressions can shape the everyday experiences of individuals who identify as transgender, and how they approach their relationships. Microaggressions involve subtle forms of discrimination that can come across as environmental, behavioral, or verbal slights. The present study focuses on transgender microaggressions that occur in the context of romantic relationships. Participants included 343 adults who identified as transgender, transsexual, gender non-conforming, and/or having a transgender history. These participants were either currently in a romantic relationship, or had been in a romantic relationship within the last five years. Participants completed an online survey and provided information regarding their experiences of microaggressions from their romantic partners. Responses were analyzed via thematic analysis resulting in four relationship-salient themes: 1) questioning identity; 2) gendered expectations; 3) public negotiation of transgender identity and relationship; and 4) relationship dynamics. Discussion focuses on understanding how microaggressions are shaped by expectations of the gender binary and how they serve to reinforce power differences in romantic relationships of transgender individuals.