Negotiating compounded stigmatised identities: An examination of contemporary trans-disability

Abstract

In this dissertation I examine trans-disabled individuals’ lives and communities to argue that trans-disabled individuals have a shared sense of stigma which is compounded by having dual marginalised identities. This qualitative research deploys theories of intersectionality and of stigma, bringing these together to further explore how trans-disabled individuals strategically navigate ableist and transphobic spaces within wider society. The theoretical perspective I use within this dissertation is “symbolic interactionism,” combining Erving Goffman’s theories of stigma and strategic interactionism with intersectionality. My research methods include twelve semi-structured interviews with trans-disabled individuals, and autoethnography. The spatio-temporal context of this dissertation is queer and disabled spaces in the UK that are both physical and virtual, and the period in question is 2019-2020 (before the COVID-19 pandemic). I analyse data using thematic analysis. I explore a number of themes that I identify within the data including intersectional fear; in/visibility (including coming out); identities (including feeling “othered”); and lack of support. Through this work, I aim to highlight and explore the specific kinds of stigma felt by trans-disabled individuals, both within and outside of their own communities, and the resilience that shines through in the face of these stigmatised experiences. Using humour, resilience, the evasion and embracing of stigma, and the strategic negotiation of complex identities, trans-disabled individuals continue to push through societal boundaries. This research shows how trans-disabled individuals strategically navigate a society from which they experience dual marginalisation. This project’s original contributions to knowledge are twofold. I demonstrate that an intersectional framework is applicable to an analysis of the difficulties of accessing health care or necessary support whilst being trans-disabled, which is a key and original finding. Secondly, my use of a trans feminist framework when analysing the intersection between transgender identity and disability is unique.