Abstract
This chapter surveys theory and research on transgender identity and disclosures. Historically, transgender people in Western societies represent a highly stigmatized population who are likely to encounter significant communication challenges. Interpersonally, transgender people often grapple with privacy and disclosure, especially in regards to when, where, how, and with whom to disclose their gender identity, as they risk rejection from friends and family and experiencing violence. Thus, insofar as transgender individuals find that conversations about their sexuality and/or gender identity are proscribed by society and carry the threat of stigmatizing or violent personal and interpersonal outcomes, discussion of transgender identity can be seen as a taboo topic. In light of that, this chapter surveys theory and research on transgender identity and disclosures.
TopOrientation To Definitions
First, it is important to address some definitions of key terms to orient readers to the discussions to follow within this chapter. A quick Google search will show that multiple definitions and operationalizations drive discussions around these topics, often with overlapping or unclear explanations. To establish continuity across academic work, as well as to drive understanding of this chapter and why trans identities may be seen as taboo, it is important to clarify perceptions and their places within larger discussions. To that end, this chapter will discuss common definitions, gender transition, and historical considerations.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Gender: Individuals’ psychological, social, and cultural characteristics, which are constructed and communicated via a variety of channels that may include expressions, traits, and social roles and are often, though not always, associated with one’s sex.
Transphobia: Prejudice, discriminatory acts against transgender and gender nonconforming individuals taking form as negative attitudes, mistrust, fear, disbelief, and hatred; transphobia manifests as reactions of disgust, discounting pronouns and identity, verbal and physical harassment, as well as denial of housing, employment, or health care because someone is transgender.
Transgender: An umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity does not align with one’s sex they were assigned at birth.
Coming Out: Coming out or coming out of the closet is a metaphorical phrase that refers to the processes of self-disclosure and self-discovery that LGBTQ people experience as they share their gender identity or sexual orientation openly with others.
Gender Identity: Individuals’ internal sense of their gender, which does not necessarily align with their sex. In the case that individuals’ gender identity and their sex do match, they are called cisgender; people who sense that their sex and gender identity are not the same fit broadly under the term transgender.
Heterosexism: Prejudice or discriminatory acts against queer individuals centered on social and cultural assumptions that heterosexual or straight people are normal, natural, and superior to non-heterosexual people.
Minority Stress: Unique and additional sources of pressure, tension, and/or strain associated with belonging to a marginalized, stigmatized, or underrepresented social identity, often stemming from anticipated discrimination, material discrimination, or self-directed negative attitudes.
Couple-Level Stress: Sources of minority stress affecting both members of a dyad, rather than an individual, potentially including experiences such as gender transition, loss of income, or loss of housing.