“But it's not that easy”: negotiating (trans)gender expressions in leisure spaces

Abstract

Leisure research has a long history of exploring relationships between leisure and gender, typically using feminist approaches. However, the vast majority of this literature depends on dichotomous distinctions of male and female with little regard to more diverse expressions and embodiments of gender. In this article, authors blend narratives of self to situate their subjectivities with those created with “Amy,” a self-identified transgender woman, to explore more diverse notions of gender, leisure space and social justice. Five themes were identified: creating safe leisure space for self via masculine leisure performance; creating comfortable space for others by performing social drag; negotiating safe leisure spaces for self and others during preferred gender expression; leisure space as a site for (trans)gender affirmation and transformation; and constructing inclusive leisure community space. A critical gender approach is recommended to more safely position diversely gendered voices.