Identity Affirmation Research Articles

Towards Sustainable Practices of Diversity and Inclusion of SOGIESC in Japanese Language Education & Japanese Studies

ABSTRACT Research into Japanese language education and the intersections of gender and sexuality has demonstrated the importance of critiquing heteronormative biases in teaching materials and resources. We propose that collaborative approaches which decentre regimental heteronormative understandings of the Japanese language and which facilitate inclusivity and affirmation of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) are crucial to sustainable practices in Japanese language education at all levels. Adopting a critical reflexive stance, we first trace the community advocacy which has resulted in changes to representations of sexual identities in Japanese dictionaries. We next critically examine Japanese language education materials which are used across a diversity of locales before offering some practical ways in which small changes can be made to ensure greater inclusion and affirmation of SOGIESC in local learning environments. Further, we discuss the importance of developing metalinguistic awareness in relation to gendered speech styles and language ideologies. We argue that collaboration and co-construction are fundamental to sustainable practices which learn from histories of advocacy and research, are responsive to shifts in Japanese society and culture, and adaptable to a diversity of learning environments.

The Epistemology of Malay Qur’anic Exegesis: A Study of Muhammad Said Umar’s Nur Al-Ihsan

This article examines the epistemological structure of Tafsir Nur Al-Ihsan by Muhammad Said bin Umar. The epistemology of tafsir is an academic discipline aimed at uncovering fundamental questions about the theory of knowledge in the interpretation of the Qur’an, particularly how the truth of a tafsir is verified based on epistemic norms. Tafsir Nurul Ihsan is a significant work of exegesis from the Malay world, yet to date, there has been no serious, incisive, and comprehensive research on the epistemology of Muhammad Said bin Umar’s exegesis work. Thus, this research aims to make a vital contribution by addressing this gap and providing a deeper understanding of tafsir epistemology. By exploring the epistemology of a tafsir, it can grasp its fundamental thought structure. This article employs a historical-philosophical approach. The findings of this research reveal that Muhammad Said bin Umar sourced references for his tafsir from earlier works such as Tafsir Al-Qur'an Al-Adzim, Jami' al-Bayan fi Ta'wil ayi al-Qur'an by Al-Thabari, Anwar Al-Tanzil wa Asrar Al-Ta’wil, Madarik Al-Tanzil wa Haqaiq Al-Ta’wil, and Tafsir al-Jalalain. Additionally, the Sufistic aspect is also elaborated by Muhammad Said in interpreting the verses of the Qur'an. Furthermore, the use of the Malay-Jawi script in his tafsir book signifies the affirmation of Malay cultural identity, indicating that Malay-language tafsirs hold the same authority as those in Arabic.

El Nacionalismo en la Lucha por la Independencia de las Colonias en África (Angola)

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of Nationalism on the struggle for Independence in the colonies in Africa, with particular emphasis on the case of Angola. The objective of this work is to assess the changes that took place on the Continent from 1888 to 1910, marked by the conquest and occupation of almost the entire African Continent by Western imperialist powers; followed by the effective implementation and installation of the colonial system as an administrative system in the second half of the century. XIX, division and definition of geographic spaces. In fact, the year 1910 was essentially characterized by the consolidation and exploitation of that system, causing major distortions in the economic, social and cultural structures of the dominated territories. The appeal written at the Manchester Congress (1945) to the colonized peoples, expressly advised that all colonies should be freed from foreign imperialist control, both political and economic, and fight by all means to achieve these objectives. The use of qualitative research based on bibliography related to these themes, the inductive-deductive method allowed the (construction) of ideas of a passive Africa, embodied in the emergence of movements that aimed at the overthrow of the colonial system. In effect, with the end of World War II, the process of decolonization began, resulting in a more reinvigorated, radical and consequential African nationalism. This means a more conscious, enlightened and enlightening continental nationalism, better structured and politically framed and represented internationally and with qualitatively higher levels of political and cultural organization, with the year 1960 being marked as the year of Africa, with the outbreak of the various independence of respective African countries and consequent recovery and affirmation of socio-historical, political and cultural identity, hidden by colonization.

Llamas, Barter and Travel Rituals: An Ethnographic Study on the Esquela Tusuy Dance of the Uchumiri Peasant Community, Condesuyos, Peru

The “Esquela Tusuy” dance is a cultural manifestation deeply rooted in the Uchumiri Peasant Community (Condesuyos, Peru), reflecting the intersection between traditional cultural practices and community identity. This ethnographic study reveals how the dance, beyond being a mere artistic expression, is a complex system of meanings that articulates social relations, economic practices of barter, and Andean spirituality, through the veneration of Pachamama and Apu Coropuna. The dance is organized around rituals that include the preparation, journey, and return of the llama herders, being a living expression of collective memory and a mechanism of social cohesion. The adopted methodology was based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews, allowing a detailed understanding of Uchumiri’s cultural dynamics. Despite contemporary challenges, “Esquela Tusuy” remains a central pillar for the affirmation of cultural identity and community resistance, underlining the importance of dance in the conservation of cultural heritage and in the articulation of local identities against national narratives.

‘I can still swing a spade’: a qualitative exploratory study of gardening groups for people with dementia

Abstract This exploratory qualitative study aimed to evidence how community-based gardening groups can be used to support the psychological, physical and social health of those living with dementia. The views of people living with dementia in the community, care partners and group leaders were sought to better understand the benefits gained from gardening groups, as well as the features of gardening groups that are cited as enabling positive outcomes. Going beyond the existing single-group studies in this area, this research aimed to identify common themes across multiple gardening groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six group leaders, three people living with dementia and ten care partners from seven gardening groups, either in person or remotely. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts highlighted broad enablers – ‘the garden setting’, ‘features of activities’ and ‘organisational components’ – that were cited as facilitating a range of positive wellbeing outcomes, creating an environment that provides ‘physical and cognitive benefits’, ‘affirmation of identity’, ‘social connection’ and ‘benefits for care partners and others’. The wide-ranging benefits and enablers cited by participants within this research support the use of gardening groups as community-based interventions to reinforce positive psychological, physical and social outcomes for people with dementia. Themes also provide a clear framework for the design, implementation and evaluation of future gardening groups.

Decolonization in South African universities: storytelling as subversion and reclamation

Abstract Underscoring recurrent calls for the decolonization of university curricula in South Africa are underexplored presumptions that by only disrupting theoretical content, universities might release themselves from a colonialist grasp, that continues to dominate and distort higher education discourse. While it might be the case that certain theories hold enormous authoritative, ‘truthful’ sway, as propagated through Western interpretations and norms, there are inherent problems in exclusively approaching the decolonization project as a content-based hurdle, removed from the subjectivities of students’ social, lived, and learning realities. The argument advanced in this article is that until the epistemic harm of colonialism and apartheid are afforded careful recognition and attention—as in focusing on the lived experiences, realities, and stories of individuals—the hard work of delegitimizing coloniality, and its implicit structures of hegemonies and binaries cannot unfold. In addressing these harms, I commence by describing some of the contexts of epistemic harm, promulgated through colonialism and apartheid. This is followed by a consideration of decolonization, both as theory and practice-within-context. Here, I also foreground the #Rhodesmustfall campaign, as a particular moment of painful clarity about why decolonization, as well as transformation, has faltered in higher education in South Africa. In the second half, I focus on the necessity of prioritizing storytelling as a deep manifestation of decolonization. Stories, I maintain, provide access into unknown lives, and can subvert the invisible, normative framings, which dictate how we live in this world. As a manifestation of decolonization, students’ stories hold profound implications for the recognition and affirmation of pluralist identities, histories, knowledge, values, and world-views.

Profiles of Latinx cultural orientation among adolescents: Associations with internalizing symptoms and moderation by ethnic-racial discrimination.

The objectives of the current study were the following: (1) to explore multidimensional profiles of Latinx cultural orientation using Spanish language use, familismo, and ethnic-racial identity (ERI) affirmation among Latinx adolescents, (2) to test how Latinx cultural orientation profiles were associated with adolescents' internalizing symptoms (i.e., depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms), and (3) to test whether associations between profiles and internalizing symptoms were moderated by adolescents' ethnic-racial discrimination experiences. The study was conducted among a sample of 204 Latinx adolescents (52.4% female; Mage = 14.35, SDage = 1.75). Latent profile analysis indicated four profiles of Latinx cultural orientation: higher affirmation and lower Spanish (HALS), higher Spanish (HS), lower familismo and affirmation (LFA), and higher familismo/lower Spanish and affirmation (HFLSA). Latinx adolescents who reported lower levels on more than one Latinx cultural orientation dimension (e.g. LFA or HFSLA) also reported worse health when compared to adolescents who reported higher levels of more than one Latinx cultural orientation dimension (e.g., HSA). The associations between Latinx cultural orientation profiles and internalizing symptoms were not moderated by adolescents' ethnic-racial discrimination. Findings provide researchers and practitioners with an understanding of the various ways in which Latinx adolescents remain connected to their Latinx culture and implications for their outcomes.

Digital storytelling and intersectional identities: youth with refugee experiences (Re)claiming life stories

ABSTRACT This study addresses the urgent need to develop pedagogies that enhance language and literacy learning and identity affirmation (and resistance) opportunities for youth from refugee backgrounds. In Canadian high schools, this population of students enter school with varying levels of literacy in their first language(s), as well as potentially difficult experiences due to their forced migration. For many, language-content learning may become a formidable challenge, negatively impacting identities. A growing corpus of case studies is beginning to show how pedagogies that draw on youth’s everyday meaning making and their intersectional identities can effectively engage refugee-background learners in academic learning. In this qualitative case study involving nine refugee-background youth in an English language learning classroom in Western Canada, we explore the potential for digital storytelling to enable learners to draw from their full communicative repertoires to enhance language and literacy learning and enable intersectional identity representation, renegotiation and affirmation. Our study is informed by three interrelated conceptual frameworks: intersectionality , communicative repertoires , and digital literacies . We undertook a six-phase process for thematic data analysis of the collection of digital stories, using contextual data such as semi-structured interviews, participant observations and informal conversations to understand the relationship between the students’ digital stories and their lived experiences. Using an adaptation of Rose’s (2016) visual methodology, we provide a more in-depth analysis of the digital stories of two students with a focus on the intersectionality of the various contexts of their lives and identities. Across all participants, four interweaving themes emerged from our thematic analysis of the nine digital stories overall: 1) contesting single-axis labels; 2) reconciling mutually constitutive categories of difference; 3) (re)claiming life stories; and 4) recognizing the critical role of audience. (293)

Understanding harms associated with gender identity conversion efforts among transgender and nonbinary individuals: The role of preexisting mental well-being

Background: Affirmation of gender identity is critical for the mental health and overall well-being of transgender and nonbinary (TNB) persons. Gender identity conversion efforts (GICE), an outlawed practice for licensed professionals in numerous U.S. jurisdictions, have been associated with negative mental health and substance use outcomes. Limited previous literature examining GICE exposure has been criticized for failing to distinguish mental well-being for TNB persons before or after GICE. Our study builds on current literature by examining differences in TNB persons’ psychosocial risk indicators based on their GICE exposure, accounting for pre-GICE mental well-being. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis using the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (N = 25,810), the largest available national survey aimed at understanding TNB persons’ experiences. Using logistic regression models, we examined how GICE exposure (disaggregated by temporal precedence of initial suicide attempts) is related to health (psychological distress, extra-medical prescription use, healthcare avoidance), socio-structural (public restroom avoidance, housing instability), and interpersonal outcomes (sexual assault, emotional and physical intimate partner violence (IPV)). Results and conclusions: Initiating a suicide attempt post-GICE or in the absence of GICE were the only consistently significant predictors of poor outcomes across all domains compared to participants who never experienced GICE or attempted suicide. Findings suggest, however, that a combination of GICE with a history of suicide attempts (pre- or post-GICE) was indicative of the highest risk across outcomes, highlighting the particularly hazardous nature of combining poor mental well-being and GICE exposures. Our study adds much-needed complexity to our understanding of how GICE exposure’s role in the well-being of TNB persons may differ related to their pre-GICE mental health. Our findings add further credence to previous studies identifying harms associated with GICE exposure, regardless of pre-GICE mental well-being.

The gender-affirming model of care is incompatible with competent, ethical medical practice.

To examine the compatibility of gender-affirming care with the principles and practices of psychiatry. The assumption that there is no pathology involved in the development of gender diversity is a necessary precondition for the unquestioning affirmation of self-reported gender identity. Cases where psychosis is the undeniable cause of gender diversity demonstrate this assumption is categorically false. To protect this false assumption, gender-affirming guidelines forbid the application of the core psychiatric competencies of phenomenology and psychopathology to the assessment of gender diversity. They substitute the political goal of expanding personal liberty for the evidence-based medicine processes of clinical reasoning, rendering them incompatible with competent, ethical medical practice.

Embracing Spectrum: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Journeys in Aesthetic Medicine: A Kaleidoscope of Identity.

This synaptic systemised review critically examines the provision of aesthetic medical care to LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) individuals, assessing both the clinical practices and the educational frameworks that guide interactions with LGBTQIA+ patients in aesthetic settings. Following PRISMA-S guidelines, a comprehensive review was conducted, initially identifying 159 potentially relevant articles. Upon stringent full-text review, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subject to an in-depth thematic analysis. The scope encompassed qualitative studies, quantitative analyses, and a cross section of interdisciplinary research, predominantly from Western settings. The analysis distilled four principal themes: the imperative of identity affirmation in aesthetic interventions, substantial barriers to inclusive and empathetic care, the critical need for patient empowerment, and the existing deficiencies within medical education regarding LGBTQIA+ care. These themes highlight a complex interplay between the clinical aspirations of LGBTQIA+ individuals and the current capacity of aesthetic medicine to cater to this diversity. There is a pressing need for a paradigmatic shift towards more inclusive, competent, and sensitive aesthetic medical care for LGBTQIA+ patients. It underscores the necessity of reform in medical education and advocates for policy changes that promote a more equitable healthcare environment. This research serves as a call to action, emphasizing the ethical imperative to integrate comprehensive LGBTQIA+ care competencies into aesthetic medicine curricula and practice. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Assessing Biomedical and Psychosocial Factors in a Cross-Sectional Study of School Dropouts Among Pregnant Adolescents and Young Mothers in Quito, Ecuador.

Over nearly three decades, Ecuador experienced a significant rise in adolescent motherhood. By focusing on social, health, and psychological aspects, the research aims to reveal the complex factors influencing the decision to discontinue education. The emphasis on providing a platform for direct expression of personal experiences not only adds qualitative depth to the study but also ensures that the voices of those involved are heard authentically. Employing a nonexperimental, descriptive, cross-sectional approach with qualitative and quantitative methods, the research delves into the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Descriptive statistics, presented through tables and graphs, were used for variable analysis, complemented by inferential statistics to validate hypotheses. Focus group sessions, processed with ATLAS.ti(ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany) underwent a thorough review in workshops with Servicio de Atención Integral para Adolescentes(SAIA) experts. Adolescent participants were randomly recruited through the hospital's system. The findings unveiled a significant dropout rate among adolescents, where pregnancy was just one factor influencing their decision. Those discontinuing education often embraced a life project centered on motherhood and domestic roles, facing domestic violence and mental health disorders. In contrast, those persisting with education were driven by professional development, facing challenges but benefiting from family support. Despite unwanted pregnancies and low contraceptive use, many found personal growth and identity affirmation in motherhood. Our research highlights key insights into factors like pregnancy desire, contraception, reactions, and challenges. Urgent action is needed to address systemic problems and provide holistic support, acknowledging the resilience and validity of choices made by adolescent mothers in balancing motherhood with education and career goals.

The effects of Constitutional Court Judgments in the context of EU integration: the case of Romania as an EU Member State

This contribution analyses the conflict between the Constitutional Court of Romania (the ‘CCR’) and the Court of Justice of the European Union (the ‘CJEU’) from the perspective of the affirmation of constitutional identity by the Constitutional Court of Romania as a national independent court, to the detriment of the principle of primacy of EU law enshrined in the settled case-law of the European Court of Justice. The following analysis focuses on two aspects of this conflict. The first involves consideration of the use of the concept of constitutional identity by the Constitutional Court of Romania as a tool to limit the principle of primacy of EU law, with the main argument being that the Constitutional Court is the supreme national institution the task of which is to ensure the supremacy of the Romanian Constitution on Romanian territory even insofar as concerns EU law and the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The second aspect focused upon in this analysis consists of the effects of the conflict between the two jurisdictions - the constitutional and the European Union – as seen in the constitutional decisions adopted by the Constitutional Court of Romania.

“She Has a Village”: The Intergenerational Benefits of Social Support Networks for Black Mothers and Daughters

In the current qualitative study, we explored the perceived benefits of Black mothers’ villages as cultural resource systems of social support. We used consensual qualitative research methods to analyze semi-structured interview data from 28 Black mothers (25–60 years, Mage = 46) in the United States. We identified seven main themes. For Black daughters, village support offered: (a) models of positive relationships, (b) access to social and enriching activities, (c) natural mentorship, and (d) gendered racial identity affirmation. For Black mothers, village support offered the necessary time and space to: (e) engage in personal restorative practices, (f) find joy in Black mama sister circles, and (g) experience support for educational and occupational opportunities. In addition to appreciation for the various ways village members showed up, mothers valued village members’ contributions to daughters’ self-esteem and gendered racial pride. Narratives highlighted Black mothers’ intentional village-making, underscoring fictive and extended kin networks’ enduring importance in Black girls’ identity development and well-being. Our findings hold implications for culturally relevant socialization frameworks for Black girls and stimulate new discussions on supporting Black mothers and daughters more effectively.

Daily associations between resilience factors, substance use, and affect among sexual minority youth.

Past research has highlighted that sexual minority youth (SMY) are at particular risk for heightened substance use compared to their heterosexual peers; however, few studies have investigated the associations between resilience factors and substance use among SMY. In the present preregistered study, we examined the associations among three different forms of resilience factors (i.e., general social support, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ)-identity affirmation, LGBTQ community involvement) and alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis use, as well as on positive and negative affect. SMY (n = 82, ages 15-19, 56.1% cisgender women, 84.4% White) completed a baseline assessment then a 30-day ecological momentary assessment study. Multilevel regression models evaluated within-day and between-person associations between resilience factors and odds of substance use (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis), substance use quantity on use days (alcohol, cannabis), positive affect, and negative affect. On the day level, general social support was associated with greater positive affect, lesser negative affect, and greater drinks on drinking days. LGBTQ-identity affirmation was associated with greater positive affect, lesser negative affect, and greater odds of nicotine use. LGBTQ community involvement was associated with greater positive affect. These results highlight the nuanced ways that resilience may engender more positive affect and reduce negative affect while simultaneously promoting substance use. Future research disentangling the mechanisms connecting resilience and substance use among SMY is necessary. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Education for diversity: reflections on school inclusion and relational development

This article presents a qualitative research that explores the experiences of 12 individuals who identify as homosexual, with the aim of understanding how their school experiences influenced the construction of their affective relationships. Through semi-structured interviews, we investigate the challenges faced by these subjects in the school environment, including hostility and prejudice, and how these experiences impacted their ability to form and maintain relationships outside of the school context. The study revealed that family overprotection and the denial of sexuality by families contributed to the development of avoidance strategies and the postponement of the expression of sexuality. Entering relationships was perceived as a moment of affirmation of identity, but also brought additional challenges related to family and social acceptance. The article highlights the importance of inclusive and family-friendly educational environments as key elements for the well-being and healthy development of young homosexuals, pointing to the need for policies and practices that promote acceptance of and respect for sexual diversity.

Representation of the Identity of the Indonesian Ulama Council in Fatwa Regarding Religious Blasphemy in the Case of Basuki Tjahaja Cahaya Purnama (Ahok)

MUI's fatwa in the case of blasphemy and insulting clerics by Ahok is a complex event. It not only signifies the rise of political Islam in the arena of contestation but also symbolizes the presence of identity representation. MUI through its fatwa seems to confirm the presence of sectarian identity based on religion. This refers to Johnson's concept that the media text leads to something behind it. By analyzing the fatwa, it becomes clear that through its text, MUI not only shows itself as an affirmation of Islamic identity as the dominant but also as a binary differentiator in the cultural representation of Indonesian society in various other dimensions. By using a text analysis approach and also a literature study, the author concluded that MUI has opened political identity in the electoral arena. The issuance of MUI fatwa text in Ahok's case has opened a new level of cultural representation dynamics, through religious identity that goes hand in hand with electoral contestation.

The content and structure of the educational discipline "Military-patriotic education" for the preparation of applicants for the specialty 017 "Physical culture and sports"

The full-scale war in Ukraine determined the educational strategy of the state regarding the organization and implementation of military-patriotic education and military-patriotic training of youth. The article presents the content and elements of the structure of the educational discipline "Military-patriotic education" for the preparation of applicants for the "Physical culture and sports" specialty. Research methods used: analysis of educational and methodological literature; study of scientific publications on the subject of research; systematization and generalization of information; study of regulatory documentation regarding the organization of the educational process in institutions of higher education.
 The training course contains three credits, 2 content modules: the basics of military and patriotic education; physical and military training. The goal of the educational discipline is to form the affirmation of national identity, patriotic consciousness, a sense of loyalty and love for Ukraine, readiness to fulfill the civic and constitutional duty to protect national interests, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine based on real heroic examples of Ukrainians.
 The educational course includes the following topics: structure and content of military-patriotic education; history of the Ukrainian army and military service; state symbols of Ukraine; military and patriotic games; general physical training; fire training; topographic preparation; tactical training; tactical medicine.
 During the study, relevant competences are formed. The system of values, which Ukraine demonstrates by its own example and the highest price of Ukrainian Heroes, is assimilated; the formation of patriotic values, education of respect and dignity, features of the Ukrainian mentality; acquisition of skills and abilities in military applied training.

Distal and Proximal Minority Stressors on Patterns of Tobacco and Cannabis Use Among Young Bisexual Women.

Bisexual women have high rates of tobacco and cannabis use, but few studies have examined co-use behavior in this population. Although the role of distal minority stressors (eg, discrimination) on substance use has been examined, fewer studies have examined proximal minority stressors (eg, negative sexual identity self-schemas). The current study was a secondary data analysis that examined patterns of tobacco and cannabis use, and the role of distal (instability of bisexuality, sexual irresponsibility of bisexual people, and hostility toward bisexual people) and proximal (illegitimacy of bisexuality, anticipated binegativity, internalized binegativity, and identity affirmation) bisexual-specific minority stressors among bisexual women. Participants were 224 young (aged 18-30 years old) self-identified bisexual women who reported on their past 30-day tobacco and cannabis use and completed measures of distal and proximal bisexual-specific minority stressors. Participants were categorized into one of 4 patterns: no use, tobacco use only, cannabis use only, and tobacco and cannabis co-use. The most common pattern of past 30-day use was tobacco and cannabis co-use (39.1%). Results from a multinomial logistic regression revealed that bisexual women who reported higher illegitimacy of bisexuality, a proximal minority stressor, were significantly more likely to engage in tobacco and cannabis co-use, relative to no use. Bisexual women have particularly high rates of substance use, with tobacco and cannabis co-use as the most common pattern. Incorporating the role of proximal minority stressors, and specifically, beliefs about the legitimacy of bisexuality, may be an important target of substance use interventions for bisexual women.

What is in a chosen name? An exploratory study on the renaming experiences of transgender people

Background: For transgender people, choosing and using a name congruent with their gender identity has been identified as a factor that improved self-esteem and well-being. This study aims to explore their renaming experiences and to identify the functions of chosen names in affirming gender identity and in expressing the need for continuity or rupture with the past. Method: The study was structured in two phases. The first phase, purely inductive, consisted in nine semi-structured interviews. A short version of the interview guide was used with sixteen other participants during the second phase of the study, which was both inductive and deductive, following a non-systematic literature review. Data was analyzed based on a constructivist grounded theory approach. Results: Two categories of functions of the chosen name were identified. The first category consisted of the functions of chosen names regarding the affirmation of gender identity, which were: the classificatory, the identificatory and the symbolic functions. The second category consisted of the functions of chosen names in expressing participants’ needs for continuity or discontinuity with the past, chosen names being experienced as metaphors of a new beginning, supports for continuity through transformation, compromises between family and cultural identifications and disidentifications. Conclusion: Exploring the renaming process and the functions of the chosen names in the clinical setting with transgender people looking for mental health support may help to identify and enhance gender affirming strategies. This may further assist in reducing aspects of gender incongruence and dysphoria through subjectivation and resilience-developing processes.