Negotiating social identity in the encounter process for transgender employees

Abstract

Management and negotiation of gender identity are required for transgender people when beginning a job; this research explores the experiences of transgender job seekers and employees as they enter the workplace in the encounter experience. Literature of coping and resilience, assimilation, and social identity are reviewed. Interviews with 24 transgender participants revealed themes of fear of the worst, anticipatory socialization, responsibility to educate, avoidance, justification of blessing and luck, justification of negative treatment and struggle, and defense of identity; these themes are reflected in participant quotes. Contributions to theoretical and practical implications are discussed.