ORCID

0009-0009-3596-7178

Keywords

Joy, Positive Emotions, Intersectionality, Socio-ecological systems, Transgender, Nonbinary

Abstract

The state of Florida had a record-breaking number of implemented and proposed policies between 2023-2024 that impacted transgender and nonbinary individuals. Black transgender and nonbinary people are particularly impacted by these policies due to the compounded effects of their race and gender identity. Nonetheless, despite the growing literature on Black transgender and nonbinary individuals, a lack of research exists examining positive aspects of intersectional experiences among Black transgender and nonbinary individuals. This qualitative study shifts away from deficit centered frameworks by investigating how Black transgender and nonbinary young adults in Florida cultivate joy in their lives. This study uses a subsample of Black participants from the U=CARE study, a mixed-methods study of healthcare experiences of racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse transgender and nonbinary young adults in Florida. Data consist of in-depth interviews with 30 Black transgender and nonbinary (11 transgender men, 9 transgender women, and 10 nonbinary) young adults aged 18-26. Driven by a social-ecological model and an intersectionality framework, the study analyzes the social processes that facilitate the cultivation of joy among Black transgender and nonbinary young adults in the specific context of living in Florida. Participants cultivated joy through social processes of receiving positive affirmations, exercising agency, engaging in mental escapism, and nurturing social relationships. These findings show that Black transgender and nonbinary young adults in Florida are able to cultivate joy in the face of sociopolitical challenges.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Shannon Carter

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Sociology

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029538

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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