Transitioning flip books: creating visual communication strategies to communicate the transitioning of transgender and gender diverse people

ABSTRACT This paper presents the case study of the author’s creation of a flip book, a creative writing and visual communication design strategy used to assist children and teenagers, their family and loved ones, when communicating transgender transitioning to others. The experiences of transgender people during the recognition, coming out and transitioning process are greatly impacted by the roles and reactions of family, friends, peers and others. Research describing or demonstrating transgender and family perspectives during this time is scant. This practice-based research, using an autoethnographic lens, addresses the need to support family and friends of transgender people who are required to communicate a challenging process succinctly and clearly to a broader audience. Working with careful folding and cut paper, I present a way to communicate both the perceptions of the person transitioning aligned with the definitions and language of the process of transitioning. As a simple action of ensuring inclusion, this innovative design and writing strategy demonstrates the power of creative practices to mobilise new knowledge and support a minority group of community members. Further research is required to identify ways to expand the project to other gender diverse groups.