The transgender umbrella: reigning thoughts on self identity and collective community identification
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2016-08-25
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Towson University. Department of Psychology
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Abstract
This research investigated responses of gender minority individuals regarding the ways in which they discussed self-labeled identities in the context of evaluating the Transgender Umbrella. Participants included 568 adults who self-identified as transmasculine, transfeminine, gender variant, or agender. Participants completed an online questionnaire and provided both quantitative and qualitative information regarding their individual endorsements of umbrella-style labeling as well as the influence of their individual queer community involvement (advocacy/politics, social organizations, queer friends, queercentered events). Using thematic analysis, three themes were identified related to the rejection of collective group labeling, and four for its critiques. Themes for rejection were the impossibility of capturing all trans identities, the lack of necessity for categorical labels, and the distinct need to maintain separate identities. Themes for the critiques were problems with trans terminology, problems with “umbrella” labels, agency & subjective experiences, and alternative labeling options. Discussion focuses on the emergence of these themes and considerations for collective group labeling considerations to better capture gender identity experiences.