Summary
- Major: Gender, Race, and Identity
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sarah Mitchell
- Research Topic: Transgender Identity and Community Formations of Joy
- New Scholar: 2025 Cohort
- Graduating with a Baccalaureate Degree: Fall 2026
Abstract
Learning how joy is cultivated within queer community spaces is vital for promoting effective community building that often replaces blood family. Additionally, transgender and gender nonconforming individuals (TGNC) experience different oppressions or privileges based on race, economic status, nationality, disability, and perceived gender presentation. Intersectional research provides a lens to examine the multiple forms of oppression a person may experience simultaneously and draw conclusions from common themes among interview participants while contributing tangible solutions for larger social justice aims. 10- 15 qualitative interviews will be
conducted, transcribed, and coded to contribute to understandings of joy among TGNC diverse populations.