Experiences of obligation among transgender and non-binary young adults: a focus group study

Background Past research has consistently demonstrated that cisnormative pressures impact on the wellbeing of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals, but questions remain about TGNB young adults’ experiences of ‘obligation’ in light of transnormative pressures.Aims The aim of the current study was therefore to explore experiences of obligation among TGNB young adults and identify what aspects of life may be reinforcing these obligations.Methods Seven focus groups were conducted with a total of 24 TGNB young adults with varying genders to hear their experiences of obligations.Results Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in four themes describing the nature of obligation for TGNB young adults. The first theme covers the obligation to be a ‘good’ TGNB person, including two subthemes about being ‘good’ by meeting everyone’s expectations and being ‘good’ by being polite and palatable. The second theme describes obligations related to fulfilling multiple roles, including intersectionality with culture. The third theme addresses participants’ experiences of feeling required to be the expert on TGNB topics. The fourth theme covers the obligation to accept conflicting narratives about TGNB journeys where TGNB individuals may passively uphold transnormative stereotypes but also actively manage how they are perceived by others.Conclusions These findings demonstrate specific experiences of obligation unique to TGNB individuals, highlighting the interconnected external and internal nature of these obligations. This research also highlights how these obligations are reinforced by the negative societal views of TGNB identities, transnormative ideals, and perceived homogeneity of TGNB community members.