The purpose of this study was to examine the religious and spiritual experiences of transgender people. The study used an existing data set consisting of interviews from five self-identified Christian transgender participants, of which 1 was female-to-male, and 4 were male-to-female. Feminist phenomenology guided all aspects of this project. The results of the study suggest that participants felt a connection with a higher power, and specifically viewed themselves as made as transgender by God. However, the results of this study also indicated that transgender people feel conflicted about how others perceive them based on their (others') religious beliefs, with participants experiencing both supportive and discriminatory responses toward them.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 49-50).

This project is an attempt to present a visual representation of gender variation. Not everyone identifies as either "male" or "female." Likewise not everyone's gender corresponds to their biological sex. Gender variation is a difficult concept to both understand and explain, in part because our vocabulary only offers the binary opposites "male" and "female". Words used to describe someone outside this gender dichotomy are confusing, used inconsistently or derogatory in nature. The project proposes that gender is a continuum and offers a possible visual representation. My hope is that this effort will enable us to better conceptualize the in-between experience as a precursor to developing more meaningful language around this topic. The written document includes a review of literature, an explanation of methods used to create the project, discussion of the results, and a final overview. The actual creative project itself is a short video found on the accompanying DVD. / Department of Telecommunications

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Also available in print.

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009. / Title from title screen (site viewed January 5, 2010). PDF text: x, 249 p. ; 2 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3360162. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 89-93).

This dissertation research constitutes a mixed methods investigation of the phenomenon of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people. An integrative review of the current literature about NSSI among sexual and gender minority populations established that NSSI is reported at higher rates by sexual and gender minorities than by cisgender (nontransgender) and heterosexual populations. Additionally, TGNC people appeared to report higher rates of NSSI than cisgender sexual minorities. Among TGNC people, transmasculine spectrum people (i.e., gender identity is male, man, transgender man, transmasculine, genderqueer, nonbinary, etc., with female sex assigned at birth) reported higher rates of NSSI compared to transfeminine spectrum people (i.e., gender identity is female, woman, transgender woman, transfeminine, genderqueer, nonbinary, etc., with male sex assigned at birth). Guided by Meyer’s (2003) minority stress model and Nock’s (2009) model of NSSI, qualitative interviews were conducted with eighteen transmasculine individuals to understand what contributes to the higher rates of NSSI in this population. The qualitative data supported aspects of Nock’s model as well as minority stress processes, and additionally revealed that NSSI may be related to transgender identity development processes. Aspects of Nock’s model that were supported included risk factors for NSSI (adverse childhood experiences), intrapersonal and interpersonal vulnerability factors, and identification with the behavior. Minority stress processes related to stigma associated with transgender identity included the impact of nonconformity in appearance and behavior, nonconformity in identity with nonbinary identified participants reporting additional stress, concealment of identity, and expectations of rejection. Transgender identity development stages of pre-coming out (confusion prior to understanding one’s gender identity), coming out, and exploration (finding a community of similar peers) were also related to NSSI. This latter finding highlighted that, in addition to being a response to stigma and minority stress, NSSI may occur in the context of normal transgender identity development. Finally, a quantitative investigation was conducted to examine correlates of past-year NSSI among a diverse community-based sample of TGNC people. In the total sample (N = 332), 53.3% (n = 177) of participants reported having engaged in NSSI in their lifetime. Lifetime history of NSSI was more common among transmasculine spectrum compared to transfeminine spectrum participants (60.5% vs. 39.5%, p < 0.001). Past 12-month NSSI was reported by 22.3% (n = 74) of the sample and was not significantly different between transmasculine and transfeminine spectrum participants. Younger age and higher levels of felt stigma were associated with higher rates of NSSI, while transgender identity acceptance and congruence were protective factors. Together, the findings of this mixed method investigation provided new insights into the onset and maintenance of NSSI among TGNC people, informing the development of interventions to address the high rates of NSSI among gender minority populations. Implications for theory, clinical practice, provider education and training, health policy, and future research are discussed.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2008. / "August, 2008." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 304-316). Online version available on the World Wide Web.

There exists an extensive body of literature focusing on impression management, with numerous studies addressing the effects of gender performance on members of the GLBT community. Despite a growing body of literature that centers on the differences between the genders, there exists a lack of research regarding the transgender community‟s ability to use impression management. This exploratory study addresses subjective experiences regarding transgender identity, and concentrates on self-definition and impression management in everyday life. It was found through interviews that “transition” is a temporary state that relies heavily on “passing” through impression management to create a new gender status. Once the new gender status is achieved, passing is no longer an issue and impression management is once again implemented in a more routine way similar to that of those who are not transgender.