Description
Abstract
Purpose: Socially ostracizing the gender minority groups and probing them with constant episodes of victimization experiences, progresses to various forms of minority stress. The hate-crimes projected against the trans people in India contribute largely to the mental distresses and other psychological repercussions. This study was conducted to address the antecedents and themes associated with the societal refutation and hate-crimes against trans identity and gender expression, resulting in their marginalization and exoticization.
Design/Methodology: This study utilized thematic analysis as the method for data analysis. Transcripts from in-depth interviews of 20 gender-fluid participants were explored to arrive at the themes contributing to marginalization and exoticization among trans people. Findings: The main contributions of this study are: (1) Identification of various themes that are associated with stressors contributing to trans people minority stress. (2) Devising a staged model to highlight the factors that lead to their marginalization from mainstream society. The findings of the study that emerged from the narratives of the participants streamlined various antecedents and themes that refined the understanding of trans person’s marginalization and exoticization.
Social Implications: The social implications of the study lie in fostering the understanding for underlying factors that provide impetus to the social discrimination, prejudice, and stigma for gender expression by trans people. This would limit the spectrum of discrimination and violence against the gender minorities.
Originality/Value: This study is premised on exploring the factors that aid in progression of exoticization experiences, victimization, violence, and marginalization among trans people in India by navigating through their individual narratives.
Keywords: Trans people, Hate-crimes, Victimization, Exoticization, Marginalization, Thematic.
