Voices from beyond: A thematic content analysis of transgender employees’ workplace experiences.

Abstract

The present study examined the gender transition experiences of transgender employees while in the workplace. Participants were 139 transgender-identified individuals currently employed at the time of the study. Participants were asked to respond to open-ended questions related to their experiences transitioning at work and provide any advice they might share with other transgender individuals considering a gender transition while employed. Using a thematic content analysis informed by grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967), participants' responses were coded into 4 main domains: (a) interpersonal issues, (b) intrapersonal factors, (c) systemic and organizational issues, and (d) logistics and planning. Each of these domains was comprised of thematic categories and subcategories that further elucidated participants' experiences related to these domains. Findings highlighted key areas of stress (e.g., hostile coworkers, gendered spaces, no employee protection policies) and strategies for preparing to transition genders at work (e.g., informing human resources, identifying allies). Implications of these results for practitioners, employers, and activists are discussed.

Trans people, well-being, and labor market outcomes

“…Transitioning is found to be related to greater life satisfaction [1], [2], [6]. This pattern is attributed to the factors that shape one's life satisfaction, such as body satisfaction, appearance, selfesteem, identity and interpersonal functioning, achievements in life, spirituality, and social relationships, which are found to be positively affected by transitioning [1], [2], [3], [5], [6].…”

“…People with gender dysphoria suffer from feelings of psychological discomfort related to their biological sex and their belief that they belong to the opposite sex and gender [1], [3]. Trans people who align their inner gender identities with their outward appearance are found to experience a significant relief from gender NICK DRYDAKIS | Trans people, well-being, and labor market outcomes dysphoria [2], [3]. This process, called transitioning, is found to be related to reduced depression and anxiety symptomatology as well as less psychological distress [2], [3].…”

“…Trans people who align their inner gender identities with their outward appearance are found to experience a significant relief from gender NICK DRYDAKIS | Trans people, well-being, and labor market outcomes dysphoria [2], [3]. This process, called transitioning, is found to be related to reduced depression and anxiety symptomatology as well as less psychological distress [2], [3]. A current review that looks at 38 cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on trans people indicates that levels of psychopathology and psychiatric disorders reduce with transitioning and, in many cases, reach normative values [3].…”

“…Greater progress in the gender transition process is related to fewer mental health problems as well as greater life and job satisfaction [1], [2], [3]. Feelings of relief and personal progress after transition are referred to by trans employees, with many utilizing expressions such as "fulfilling," "free," and "empowering" to evaluate their post-transition emotional condition [2], [3]. However, due to transphobia, trans people are exposed to extremely high levels of bias [4].…”

“…In addition, transitioning is found to be positively associated with job satisfaction [1], [2], [7]. Transitioning is related to better communication and negotiation skills, better self-organizational skills, and an innovative, constructive approach to problem-solving [1], [2], [7].…”