1
|
Perone AK. An Historical Case Study of Trans Exclusion and Empowerment: Implications for Transgender Older Adults and Aging. J Gerontol Soc Work 2024:1-27. [PMID: 38652754 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2024.2339987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Transgender older adults have a long history of exclusion that shapes current experiences with social services. However, scant gerontological research uses archival data, which can provide critical context for service providers. Moreover, sparse research examines how exclusion can be a catalyst for change that social workers could leverage. Empowerment theory provides a theoretical tool to explain how this is possible. This multidisciplinary case study blends community member interviews and archival data to answer this question: How did exclusion shape empowerment and social change for transgender Americans? This study focuses on the events before and after the Compton's Cafeteria Riot, one of the first acts of LGBTQIA+ collective resistance that led to new services for and by transgender Americans. Data reveal how exclusion facilitated the emergence of collective empowerment among transgender women and queer youth in San Francisco. Archival data shows how exclusion preceded self-efficacy, critical consciousness, involvement with similar others, acquisition of new skills, and ultimately action to eliminate social, economic, and political barriers and power imbalances. This study provides both empirical and theoretical tools to contribute new data and perspectives on trans exclusion and empowerment and its implications for social workers serving transgender older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Perone
- Berkeley School of Social Welfare, Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services, University of California, Haviland Hall, Berkeley, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rosati F, Pistella J, Coletta V, Baiocco R. Racialized Migrant Transgender Women Engaged in Sex Work: Double Binds and Identifications with the Community. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:1153-1168. [PMID: 38347323 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Racialized migrant transgender women engaged in sex work represent an understudied population. They face unique challenges resulting from their multiple marginalized identities, such as racialized transmisogyny. Since marginalized communities play a vital role in mitigating systemic stigma, it is essential to expand the literature on the community of this population. The present study used the frameworks of gender minority stress and intersectionality, along with a decolonial and transfeminist approach. Twenty participants aged between 28 and 66 years old (M = 43.15; SD = 10.49) took part in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis identified two main areas with ten corresponding themes. "The double bind of community" described the complex dynamics experienced by transgender refugees within their community, including (1) sex work between emancipation and exploitation, (2) non-prescribed treatments for gender affirmation, (3) negative experiences with the community, (4) positive impact of trans organizations, and (5) practical and economic support and exploitation. "The identification with the community" highlighted how participants positively or negatively identified with the community, containing: (6) awareness of one's privileges and oppressions, (7) internalized cisgenderism and assimilation, (8) gender euphoria; (9) sexual objectification, and (10) trans-generativity. The study evidenced the complex dynamics within marginalized communities. Trauma, stigma, and survival struggles can lead to violence and exploitation within the community. However, the community also has the potential to promote positive feelings and generativity. These findings have practical implications for social workers, healthcare practitioners, and researchers, emphasizing the need for appropriate and culturally competent care, including resources for coping with stress, fostering resilience, and facilitating post-traumatic growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fau Rosati
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Valle d'Aosta, Str. Cappuccini, 2, 11100, Aosta, Italy.
| | - Jessica Pistella
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Coletta
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Macedo D, McEvoy M, Crowley T, Loughhead M, Procter N. Self-harm and suicidality among trans and gender diverse youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds-A scoping review. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38291609 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rates of suicidality and self-harm are substantial among trans and gender diverse people, particularly among younger groups. The objective of this scoping review is to explore the state of the research conducted on determinants of mental distress, self-harm and suicidality among trans and gender diverse (TGD) youth from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews was used as a methodology guide. Inclusion criteria for study selection comprehended: publications on the intersectionality between gender non-conformity and cultural and linguistic diversity; focus on a young population (≤25 years of age); publications addressing self-harm and/or suicidality. Searches were conducted on eight databases and a public web search engine and yielded 474 results. Publications were screened and selected by two independent reviewers. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes overarching the findings. The screening process yielded seven peer-reviewed studies and six research reports based on case studies, retrospective qualitative interviews, cross-sectional and longitudinal survey analyses. The key themes approached in the retrieved literature include: (1) precipitating factors for suicidality; (2) pathways contributing to self-harm and suicidality; and 3) barriers and facilitators for accessing services and mental health care. Practical actions to help mitigate suicidality among TGD youth from CALD backgrounds need to consider the impact of trauma and allow for the development of trust in the therapeutic relationship. Shifts in service delivery and policy formulation are necessary to reduce stigmatisation and potentialise the inclusion of different racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual and gender identity expressions in society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davi Macedo
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research and Education Group, UniSA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Monica McEvoy
- CAMHS CALD Team, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tim Crowley
- Complex Care and Trauma Mental Health, CAMHS, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mark Loughhead
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research and Education Group, UniSA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Procter
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research and Education Group, UniSA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alessi EJ, Lee YG, Chikalogwe VP, Tarusarira W, Raymond H, Lynn M, Kahn S. Pilot study of an arts- and theatre-based HIV prevention intervention for men who have sex with men and transgender women migrants in South Africa: acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Health Educ Res 2023; 38:392-411. [PMID: 37229526 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Innovative approaches addressing the elevated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) or transgender women (TGW) migrants in South Africa are urgently needed. We sought to present the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of 'Externalize and Mobilize!', a multi-session arts- and theatre-based HIV prevention group intervention for MSM and TGW migrants in South Africa. Fourteen participants-MSM (n = 7; 50%), genderqueer/nonbinary persons (n = 4; 29%) and TGW (n = 3; 21%)-in Cape Town were recruited and enrolled in the intervention and administered pre- and post-intervention assessments of HIV knowledge, HIV risk-reduction self-efficacy, stigma and resilience. The intervention, delivered over 4 days, was completed by all 14 participants. Scores on HIV knowledge and HIV risk-reduction self-efficacy were statistically significantly higher at post-intervention compared with pre-intervention. Additionally, participants responded affirmatively (i.e. 'Agree' or 'Strongly agree') on all items assessing intervention acceptability. Findings demonstrate the high acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an arts- and theatre-based intervention for increasing HIV knowledge and HIV risk-reduction self-efficacy among MSM and TGW migrants in South Africa. This study provides further support for the use of creative and innovative interventions to address entrenched HIV disparities in South Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E J Alessi
- Rutgers University School of Social Work, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Y G Lee
- Rutgers University School of Social Work, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | | | - W Tarusarira
- PASSOP, Cape Town, Western Cape 8001, South Africa
| | - H Raymond
- Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - M Lynn
- Rutgers University School of Social Work, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - S Kahn
- McGill University School of Social Work, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Perez-Brumer A, Salazar X, Nunez-Curto A, D'Amico L, Aguayo-Romero R, Reisner SL, Silva-Santisteban A. Intersectional stigma and the arc of intranational migration: experiences of transgender adolescents and women who migrate within Peru. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1202. [PMID: 37344828 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15985-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration is recognized as a key determinant of health. Yet, limited research addresses the arc of intranational migration and, even less, the experiences of transgender (trans) adolescents and women migrants and the associated health vulnerabilities. Using intersectional stigma as a theoretical frame, this study seeks to better understand the sexual health vulnerabilities and needs of trans women migrants in Peru. METHODS Between October and November 2016, in-depth interviews (n = 14) and two focus groups (n = 20) were conducted in Spanish with trans women in three Peruvian cities. To explore pre- and during migration experiences, focus groups were conducted in Pucallpa and Iquitos, key cities in the Amazon where trajectories often originate. To assess during migration and post-migration experiences, we conducted interviews in Pucallpa, Iquitos, and Lima to better understand processes of relocation. Audio files were transcribed verbatim and analysed via an immersion crystallization approach, an inductive and iterative process, using Dedoose (v.6.1.18). RESULTS Participants described migration as an arc and, thus, results are presented in three phases: pre-migration; during migration; and post-migration. Intersectional stigma was identified as a transversal theme throughout the three stages of migration. The pre-migration stage was characterized by poverty, transphobia, and violence frequently motivating the decision to migrate to a larger city. Exploitation was also described as pervasive during migration and in relocation. Many participants spoke of their introduction to sex work during migration, as key to economic earning and associated violence (police, clients). CONCLUSION Findings advance understandings of intranational migration and forced displacement as key determinants of trans women's health. Dimensions of violence at the intersection of classism and cisgenderism render trans women highly vulnerable at every step of their migratory journeys. Experiences of intranational mobility and relocation were described as uniquely tied to age, intersectional transphobic stigma, engagement in sex work, and multiple forms of violence, which impact and can magnify sexual health vulnerabilities for transgender women in Peru who migrated intranationally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Perez-Brumer
- Division of Social and Behavioural Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ximena Salazar
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Aron Nunez-Curto
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Rodrigo Aguayo-Romero
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sari L Reisner
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alfonso Silva-Santisteban
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Morales FR, Nguyen-Finn KL, Haidar M, Mercado A. Humanitarian crisis on the US-Mexico border: Mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 48:101452. [PMID: 36084505 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Families and youth from the Northern Triangle of Central America seeking asylum in the U.S. report substantial trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Sexual and gender minorities of this population especially present unique circumstances and thus challenges and needs. However, with immigration along the southern U.S. border at a 21-year high, health and social resources for refugees and asylum seekers are being strained. Accordingly, the primary aim of this review is to raise awareness about migration-related trauma and the mental health needs among Central American and LGBTQ + refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S.-Mexico border. The authors also discuss practical, clinical, and advocacy implications to improve the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers entering the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances R Morales
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX, USA
| | - Kim L Nguyen-Finn
- School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX, USA
| | - Makram Haidar
- School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX, USA
| | - Alfonso Mercado
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX, USA; School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|