"I love you as both and I love you as neither": Romantic partners' affirmations of nonbinary trans individuals. Issue 2 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Galupo, M. Paz; Pulice-Farrow, Lex; Clements, Zakary A.; Morris, Ezra R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of transgenderism. Volume 20:Issue 2/3(2019)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Microaffirmations -- nonbinary romantic relationships -- transgender; Gender identity -- Periodicals; Gender identity disorders -- Periodicals; Sex change -- Periodicals; Transgenderism -- Periodicals; Transvestism -- Periodicals; Gender Identity -- Periodicals; Transsexualism -- Periodicals; Transvestism -- Periodicals; 306.768
• DOI: 10.1080/15532739.2018.1496867
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1553-2739

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Transgender microaffirmations are subtle endorsements of a person's gender identity through both verbal acknowledgements and behavioral gestures. Microaffirmations positively impact individuals who identify as transgender by acknowledging their gender identity and by communicating a sense of support and validation. Aims: This study focuses on microaffirmations specifically directed toward nonbinary transgender individuals within romantic relationships. Methods: Participants included 161 adults who identified as nonbinary: 85 who identified as gender nonconforming and 76 who identified as agender. These participants were either currently in a romantic relationship or had been in a romantic relationship within the past 5 years. Participants completed an online survey and provided examples of the microaffirmations they experienced from their romantic partners. Results: Responses were analyzed via thematic analysis, resulting in four overarching themes: (1) Identity Validations, acknowledgement and acceptance of nonbinary identity; (2) Identity Endorsements, active endorsements of nonbinary through language or behavior; (3) Active Learning, self-education about nonbinary identities; and (4) Active Defense, interruptions of others' negative actions directed at nonbinary partners. Discussion: Discussion of the results focuses on understanding how microaffirmations operate to complicate binary notions of gender/sex and positively influence nonbinary transgender individuals in interpersonal relationships.