“Feels Like Home”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of positive body image among transgender and gender diverse people

Research focusing on body image in trans and gender diverse (TGD) people tends to focus on body dissatisfaction, with positive body image less recognised in academic literature. In response, the current research sought to take a strengths-based approach by examining experiences of positive body image in TGD people. The qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews with n = 3 trans women/transfeminine people, n = 7 trans men/transmasculine people, and n = 4 non-binary/gender diverse people aged 18 and above about their experiences of positive body image. The data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to develop nuanced understandings of positive body image that were grounded in participant experience. Findings illustrated some similarities across all gender groups, characterising positive body image in terms of positive state experiences including a sense of ownership, embodied connection and comfort with the body, giving rise to the metaphor of the body as home. Additionally, factors that promote and maintain positive body image for trans and gender diverse people involved a complex interplay of experiences such as gender-congruent appearances, positive distinctiveness, rejection of normative body expectations and psychosocial factors such as supportive communities, positive peer coping and agency. Such factors were understood in the context of gender and emphasise the importance of appreciating group contexts alongside individual experiences. Barriers to positive body image were also addressed. Notably, the current study was an opportunity for TGD adults to share their experiences of positive body image. Findings may also contribute to the advancement of body image interventions for TGD people with encouragement to step away from deficit-based approaches and harness their unique strengths.