Sociopolitical Change and Transgender People’s Perceptions of Vulnerability and Resilience

Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people have gained visibility in public discourse leading to greater awareness, understanding, and social change. However, progress made in policies to combat stigma and improve public accommodation and healthcare for this minority population has been targeted for reversal, particularly since the 2016 presidential election. This study investigated the impact of changes in sociopolitical climate on perceptions of vulnerability and resilience among participants of a longitudinal study of transgender identity development. We randomly selected 19 TGNC participants in New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta and conducted in-depth interviews about their perceptions of societal progress and setbacks, community engagement, and desired future change. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 68; half (47.4%) identified their gender identity along the feminine spectrum (male assigned at birth) and the other half (52.6%) along the masculine spectrum (female assigned at birth). Content analysis revealed that greater media visibility was perceived as both positive (improved awareness of needs) and negative (increased vulnerability to stigma). Setbacks included concerns about personal safety, the safety of others (particularly those with multiple stigmatized identities), healthcare access, and policies regarding public accommodation and non-discrimination protections. Coping strategies included social support, activism and resistance, and an enduring sense of optimism about the future. TGNC Americans, in spite of a long history of adversity, are resilient. The participants demonstrated unwavering motivation to create a better future for themselves, other minorities, and society. Research is needed to quantify the impact of policy changes on health and well-being and identify moderators of resilience amenable to intervention.