Transgender Living: The Experiences of Aging and Belonging

This thesis portfolio is comprised of three parts:Part One: Systematic Literature ReviewThe systematic literature review explored the experiences of aging for transgender older adults. A thematic synthesis identified seven papers and generated two overarching themes (Personal ambivalence towards systems and Navigating one’s own identity) with six further analytical themes (Healthcare, Community & Relationships, Social norms, Interaction of gender and age, Impact on own mental health and Positive living). The findings highlight the way that systemic discourses across micro, macro and chronological systems influence the aging experiences of transgender older adults.Part Two: Empirical Research PaperThe empirical research paper explored transgender and gender-diverse individual’s experiences of belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. Qualitative data from interviews with eight participants were analysed using Voice Centred Relational Method. Several voices emerged throughout this analysis including ‘Conformity’, ‘Defiance’, ‘Rejection’, ‘Sufficiency’, ‘Authenticity’, ‘Advocacy’, ‘Fear’, and ‘Performance’. These voices and their relationships reflect the conflicting experiences of inter-community belonging, between initial acceptance and current anger at perceived hypocrisy of expectations around gender performance.Part Three: AppendicesThe appendices contain supporting information for parts one and two, including reflective and epistemological statements.