Exploring Experiences of Gender Euphoria for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals

Abstract

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals have experiences that are varied and complex, including that of gender euphoria. Gender euphoria refers to the joy, peace, or comfort of living as one’s gender and can involve internal and social factors. To date, there is little research exploring gender euphoria, particularly the in-depth accounts of the experience. A narrative inquiry, an approach which centres the lived experience and knowledge people hold, was employed to explore gender euphoria for three TGD people of colour. Their narrative accounts are presented, as well as narrative threads that resonated: cultural (inter)connections, representation and role models, community and support, and the use of metaphors to articulate and represent one’s experience of gender euphoria. To conclude, an exploration of recommendations and ways forward for counsellors, research, community, and policy will be provided.