Transgender College Student Identity Development: A Narratology of Intermediating Experiences

Abstract

Using a narratological framework, we examined how gender roles and stereotypes affect experiences of transgender and gender-nonconforming college students. Six participants were interviewed about navigating their gender identity throughout college and adulthood. Four themes emerged: gendered attributes, within-group differences, identity development, and experiences in counseling. Themes are discussed in light of humanistic literature, and implications are discussed.