Abstract
This paper explores how trans people who make transitions negotiate their gendered bodies in different moments of this process, and how their narrative storylines are emplotted in physical activity and (non)organized sports (PAS) participation. A qualitative semi-structured interview-based study was developed to analyze the stories of eight trans people (three trans women, two trans men, and three nonbinary persons) who participated in PAS before and during their gender disclosure. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the patterns in the transition process and the structural analysis of the stories from the interviews. Three transition moments (the closet, opening up, and reassuring) were identified from the thematic analysis. Most participants showed difficulties in achieving their PAS participation during the two earlier moments. The predominance of failure storylines was found particularly in men, while success was more likely to appear in women because their bodies and choices fitted better with their PAS gender ideals. The nonbinary trans persons present alternative storylines in which corporeality has less influence on their PAS experiences. The knowledge provided on the moments and the stories of transition help to explain trans people’s (non)involvement in PAS and to guide policymaking and professional action in PAS fields.
Highlights
Social and medical transition are crucial for the development, consolidation, and affirmation of the gender identity of many trans people [1]
Many trans people embrace masculinity or femininity, as trans men and trans women do, while others do not identify themselves as trans persons and prefer the term ‘nonbinary’ instead of binary terms; they prefer to identify themselves as agender, genderqueer, gender fluid, or nonbinary persons
This paper explores the physical activity and (non)organized sports (PAS) experiences of trans people in connection with their transition processes
Summary
Social and medical transition are crucial for the development, consolidation, and affirmation of the gender identity of many trans people [1]. Some imply little changes in the body, as changing dressing style, hair restyling, and/or changing names and pronouns preferences This is not compulsory, many trans people adopt small changes and some choose to adopt medical procedures (such as hormones and surgery) to drastically and irreversibly change their bodies. As Smith et al [3] have indicated, whilst well over three quarters of trans people pursue transition socially, around 40% do not wish to pursue medical interventions, those who are nonbinary. Along with these changes, many trans people embrace masculinity or femininity, as trans men and trans women do, while others do not identify themselves as trans persons and prefer the term ‘nonbinary’ instead of binary terms; they prefer to identify themselves as agender, genderqueer, gender fluid, or nonbinary persons.
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