Uncomfortable in my own skin – emerging, early-stage identity-related information needs of transgender people

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to increase the understanding of the early-stage identity-related information needs of transgender people.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws on social constructivism, queer theory and information practice research. In accordance with the queer phenomenological approach which emphasises lived experiences, data was collected by interviewing 25 individuals who identified as transgender. The data was analysed with a focus on how early-stage information needs are formed into conscious information needs.FindingsThe formation of early-stage information needs were conceptualised as a chain including a trigger for information seeking, finding the right words and understanding the experience. Especially the bodily changes starting at puberty were strong causes of discomfort causing friction between the subjects' own gendered body and their gender experience, even leading to gender dysphoria. Finding words to describe the experience played an important role in the process of identity formation. In many cases this was difficult because of the lack of accurate and relevant information.Social implicationsProviding information especially of varying transgender experiences is vital for individuals trying to understand and verbalise their gender identity.Originality/valueThis study provides an understanding of the early-stage information needs described by transgender people and the process of building identities through disorientation. This study suggests that early-stage information needs are a valid concept to help understand how embodied experiences and the friction between the lived experience and the social world can lead to information seeking.

Meaning‐making on gender: Deeply meaningful information in a significant life change among transgender people

“…Early stage of significant life change Lack of words to use to find information (Clemens & Cushing, 2010;Huttunen et al, 2020) Several phases of obtaining information (Ruthven, 2019) Observing and self-observing (Hicks, 2018) Feelings of "something is wrong" (Huttunen et al, 2020) and feelings of isolation (Clemens & Cushing, 2010) Entering an "unfamiliar territory" (Clemens & Cushing, 2010) Negative emotions: depression, uncertainty, and confusion (Ruthven, 2019) Seeking information for a significant life change…”

“…Lack of words to use to find information (Clemens & Cushing, 2010;Huttunen et al, 2020) Need to understand the phenomenon and how to deal with it (Ruthven, 2019) Several ways to obtain information (Hicks, 2018;Ruthven, 2019 Self-confidence in information seeking (Kennan et al, 2011) settling in, and the fourth to being settled (Kennan et al, 2011).…”

“…These embodied experiences involved feelings of the body being odd or out of place. Sometimes information needs were caused by embodied feelings starting at the time of puberty, when changes in one's own body caused strong discomfort and even gender dysphoria (see also Huttunen et al, 2020). A lack of information had caused feelings of isolation as well as uncertainty and confusion.…”

“…Transgender people usually acquire information on transgender experiences serendipitously (Floegel & Costello, 2019; Pohjanen & Kortelainen, 2016) since the individual does not know the words or concepts to describe their experienced gender, although in many cases there is an experience of dissonance and that “something is wrong” (Beemyn & Rankin, 2011; Huttunen, Hirvonen, & Kähkönen, 2020; Huttunen, Kähkönen, Enwald, & Kortelainen, 2019). Gender dysphoria causes strong bodily and/or social discomfort and it can escalate to a point where it is not possible to live without change.…”

Investigating the information practices of parents of transgender or gender non‐conforming (GNC) youth: Preliminary findings

“…LIS interest in the information practices of transgender people has grown steadily (Huttunen, Hirvonen, & Kähkönen, 2020; Pohjanen & Kortelainen, 2016). To date, there is little research focused on the information practices of families of marginalized people.…”