Trans experiences of epistemic recognition against the backdrop of the Finnish trans act reform

Gender recognition law reforms, proposing greater trans equality and agency, are pivotal moments of hope for gender minorities, but they can also result in harmful public debates. Pairing the theories of recognition and epistemic injustice, we examine trans experiences of epistemic recognition in relation to the Finnish Trans Act reform debate. Through thematic analysis of 31 semi-structured interviews with trans and non-binary individuals, we show that the denial of epistemic recognition and respect in the context of – sometimes demeaning or hostile – public debate can harm trans individuals’ social trust. This can erode their sense of safety and trust in daily social encounters but also amplify distrust towards epistemic institutions they perceive to deny their epistemic recognition. While increased media interest can provide opportunities for epistemic empowerment, trans individuals might, due to the loss of social trust, disengage with mainstream media and refrain from participating in public discourse concerning their own rights.