"Here's What We Need to Heal:" A Research Zine on Connection for Trans and Nonbinary People in Maryland

Abstract

The zine shares information about a qualitative study where trans and nonbinary (TNB) people from Maryland (N = 12) diverse in age, county, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, class, and disability were interviewed two times over six months using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The research team developed this zine to accessibly share the findings and recommendations of the study with community members. Analysis revealed that participants understood and experienced connection as (a) effortful and intentional pursuit, (b) provisional sanctuary, (c) mutual recognition and resonance, and (d) collective endeavor of mutual care and liberation, each of which is explored in the zine. Results reflected how connection is lived as an intentional, mutual process that provides a warm site of affirmed existence, healing, and resistance influenced by experiences of safety and harm from sociopolitical systems and trends. The zine includes policy recommendations and prompts for reflection on building intentional and sustainable connection in one's own communities.