Gender euphoria reimagined: toward an Extended Theory of Trans-Identity

Introduction The paper focuses on developing an Extended Theory of Trans-Identity integrating Nagoshi et al.'s trans-identity theory with the creative expression of the self to explore gender-euphoric experiences. Method Having explored Austin et al.'s research on the artistic expression of trans people, the article attempts to explore the creative manifestation of identity as an important aspect of trans-identity formation, alongside Nagoshi et al.'s trans-identity theory. The synthesis of four aspects, including physical embodiment, self-construction, social construction, and the creative manifestation of the identified gender leading to the attainment of gender-euphoric factors identified by Austin et al. and Leitch et al., culminates in an Extended Theory of Trans-Identity. The theoretical framework is applied to I Am Vidya: A Transgender's Journey (2013), the autobiography of Living Smile Vidya, who is an eminent trans theatre artist and activist from Tamil Nadu, India. Furthermore, the use of a literary text to validate the Extended Theory draws on Schilling's concept of theory extrapolation from literature. The exemplifying textual analysis of the dynamic role of the four aspects of trans-identity in asserting transness and achieving gender euphoria attempts to substantiate the proposed theoretical extension. Results The results indicate that identity construction through the creative aspect, in combination with the biopsychosocial aspects, contributes to the utmost attainment of gender euphoria. Discussion Therefore, the article formulates an extended version of the trans-identity framework, emphasising the inclusion of creativity in the gender-affirmative journeys of trans people.