Exploring the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Ireland from an occupational perspective

Introduction: The centrality of occupations in the lives of humans is of great interest to occupational science. The aim of this thesis was to explore the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Ireland from an occupational perspective. A scoping review revealed that gender was traditionally viewed as a binary concept within occupational science and occupational therapy literature. However, recent research has led to a paradigmatic shift in understanding and redefining gender as a non-binary construct. This thesis contributes to emerging research exploring the relationship between occupations and gender identity, specifically being transgender. Method: A phenomenological approach, specifically interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was utilised in conducting this study. Three participants, two trans women and one trans man, from across Ireland were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, object elicitation, concept mapping and reflecting on a chosen occupation. Data from the participants were analysed using IPA. Findings: Five Group Experiential Themes emerged from a cross-case analysis of the data: (1) discovering, surviving, and confronting the heteronormative world through occupational avoidance and exploration while coming out as trans, (2) navigating “passing” alongside medical and social transitioning to live authentic lives, (3) persevering within the heteronormative world comprises nuanced occupations of unlearning heteronormative norms and exploring one’s gender potentiality or constricting and protecting one’s lifeworld, (4) engaging in occupations that disrupt the heteronormative world, and (5) transcending heteronormative norms, forging found families and reconstituting one’s occupational-Being through occupations that foster connection and belonging to cultivate an authentic lifeworld. An overarching experiential theme emerged highlighting that a metamorphic odyssey is experienced by participants. Discussion: Findings are discussed in relation to the literature, and key interpretations are presented, including: (1) subverting the Template: a deconstructed, trans-perspective of heteronormativity, (2) socialisation and enculturation into the heteronormative world, (3) becoming trans in the heteronormative world and (4) Reconciling gender: a web of occupational processes. Implications and recommendations are discussed in the context of occupational science. Limitations and strengths are then presented before concluding the research process.

Grantor dc:publisher

University College Cork

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Gorman, Eoin

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Jackson, Jeanne
• Lynch, Helen
• Boyle, Bryan

• Occupational science
• Transgender
• Lived experience
• Interpretative phenomenological analysis

Statement dc:rights

• © 2025, Eoin Gorman.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10468/17553

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cora.ucc.ie:10468/17553