NAVIGATING IDENTITY: A CULTURALLY- CENTERED COMMUNICATION APPROACH TO GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE FOR LATINE TRANSGENDER AND GENDER NON-CONFORMING INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Access to gender-affirming healthcare is crucial for the well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals, as it has been shown to mitigate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety (MacKinnon et al., 2022). While existing research has identified general challenges in accessing gender-affirming care (GAC), including issues of harmful language and specific barriers faced by TGNC individuals (e.g., financial insecurity, limited access to GAC; Friley & Venetis, 2022; Sequeria et al., 2019), little attention has been paid to how intersecting systems of inequality exacerbate these barriers, particularly for TGNC individuals of color. This dissertation adopts a culturally-centered approach to investigate how Latinx TGNC individuals perceive and navigate these obstacles. Embedded within this culturally centered framework, this study utilizes the communication theory of identity (CTI) and the theory of memorable messages (ToMM) to illuminate how Latinx TGNC identities shape individuals' understanding and navigation of healthcare barriers, as well as their subsequent health outcomes (e.g., anxiety symptoms and body dysphoria). Employing a qualitative method, the study integrates counter-storytelling and semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 20). Personal narratives draw from the researcher's lived experience as a Latine-trans person, offering valuable insights into healthcare barriers and the development of self in relation to Latinx identity, which guided the development of the study protocol. Subsequent interviews with TGNC individuals delve into their identities within various group affiliations (e.g., family, romantic partners, community) and their implications for health communication. The interviews incorporate a participant creative drawings (PCD) component to further capture participants' perspectives about their identity during their gender affirming healthcare journey, given that language can be limiting for describing TGNC identities. Ultimately, the study's findings offer valuable insights for healthcare practitioners and organizations aiming to address co-occurring health issues among Latine TGNC individuals seeking gender-affirming healthcare.