Queer and Poliical: Exploring Transgender Resistance

This qualitative study investigated forms of oppression and resistance among transgender individuals. This constructivist grounded theory study answered these research questions: (1) how does oppression affect self-identified transgender individual’s performance of gender, and (2) how does gender performance illustrate collective and individual forms of resistance? The author interviewed 14 transgender individuals living in Canada about their lived experiences with oppression and resistance. The exploration of this phenomenon was encompassed human experience, social environments, and the complexity of life illustrated by those directly experiencing oppression as transgender individuals. The performance of gender describes the use masculine, feminine and gender neutral qualities to express identity. This study suggests that transgender resistance is a method for overcoming one’s vulnerability related to traditional gender discourses. The use of resistance provides a way for radical self-determination, one that helps in promoting authenticity and solidarity with others in the trans and queer community.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Dolcecore, Susan

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Walsh, Christine

• Psychology--Social

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/27515

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/2265