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Book part
Publication date: 7 June 2024

Sujata Bhan

The transgender or Hijra community as they are called in India is one of the most marginalised communities within the country. The caste system which forms the fabric of an Indian…

Abstract

The transgender or Hijra community as they are called in India is one of the most marginalised communities within the country. The caste system which forms the fabric of an Indian mind set divides people into social hierarchies and a child born to a particular caste assumes this as their identity. This social stratification leads to exploitation of lower castes by those belonging to higher castes. The prejudices of various kinds that continue to exist make the life of the underprivileged and the marginalised extremely difficult. Disha, the focus of this chapter, represents one such community which has faced tremendous discrimination and has been denied basic fundamental rights of education and empowerment. Breaking the heterosexual patriarchy was not easy for her, yet she conquered her own demons and societal pressures and is today comfortable in her own sexual identity and is a spokesperson for fellow members of the transgender community. Through her story, this chapter elucidates an understanding of the challenges faced by transgender people in India. A semi-structured interview with Disha was conducted after taking her consent. She felt this would help sensitise the society and also inspire other transgender persons to discuss their experiences. The data collected from the interview enabled the author to identify the themes around which a discourse on this marginalised community could be encouraged. In conclusion, the author suggests a way forward to achieve protection and rehabilitation of transgender community.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 March 2023

Jan de Vries, Carmel Downes, Danika Sharek, Louise Doyle, Rebecca Murphy, Thelma Begley, Edward McCann, Fintan Sheerin, Siobhan Smyth and Agnes Higgins

People who identify as transgender face stigma, isolation and harassment while often struggling to come to terms with their gender identity. They also disproportionately…

1004

Abstract

Purpose

People who identify as transgender face stigma, isolation and harassment while often struggling to come to terms with their gender identity. They also disproportionately experience mental health difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to present the voices of transgender people in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) in regard to the issues they are facing, improvements they would like to see made to schools, workplaces, services and society in general and whether mental health supports fulfil their needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten open questions were embedded within a quantitative online survey (LGBTIreland study) on factors impacting social inclusion, mental health and care. These open questions were re-analysed with exclusive focus on the transgender participants (n = 279) using content/thematic analysis.

Findings

The participants in this study reported significant signs of mental distress. The following themes emerged: impact of stigma, deficiencies in mental health services, need for education on transgender identity, importance of peer support, achieving self-acceptance and societal inclusion questioned.

Research limitations/implications

Efforts to recruit young participants have led to a possible over-representation in this study.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the need for improvement in mental health support services, including further education in how to meet the needs of transgender individuals.

Social implications

Transgender people in Ireland experience social exclusion. The need for more inclusivity was emphasised most in secondary schools. Education on transgender identities in all contexts of society is recommended by the participants.

Originality/value

This study reports on the largest group of transgender participants to date in RoI. Their voices will affect perceptions on social inclusion and mental health care.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Lilith Green and Carol Rambo

Gender-diverse people experience unique cultural and interpersonal stigma in mainstream society and sometimes within their own communities; they face allegations of inauthenticity…

Abstract

Gender-diverse people experience unique cultural and interpersonal stigma in mainstream society and sometimes within their own communities; they face allegations of inauthenticity based on their nonconformity to either cisnormative or transnormative gender regimes. Based on 21 in-depth life history interviews, we unveil the intricate interactional process of negotiating identity and authenticity in the biographical work of gender-diverse individuals. In this study, gender-diverse people engaged in a “gender audit” with their gender-diverse interviewer. Gender audits yield verbal performances of gender with oneself and others. Ambiguity was “accounted for” or “embraced and created” in their biographical work to organize their life stories and undermine binary essentialism – a discourse that was “discursively constraining.” Gender audits took place in participants' day-to-day lives, either through self-audits, questioning from others, or both. In the final analysis, we assert that we all engage in gender auditing. Gender audits are intersubjective sites of domination, subordination, resistance, and social change. Gender diversity, then, can be viewed as a product of gender in flux.

Details

Symbolic Interaction and Inequality
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-689-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2024

Naman Sharma

This paper aims to investigate the extent of transgender (TG) inclusivity in workplaces, particularly comparing developed and developing economies. It seeks to address the social…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent of transgender (TG) inclusivity in workplaces, particularly comparing developed and developing economies. It seeks to address the social stigma faced by TG individuals in Asian economies, notably focusing on India. Through qualitative studies, the research identifies barriers hindering TG employment and proposes a theoretical framework to guide organizations in creating TG-inclusive work environments. The research intends to provide insights that enhance the experiences of TG employees while promoting diversity and inclusion in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprises two qualitative studies aimed at first identifying barriers to TG employment through the lens of human resources (HR) professionals and then suggesting a theoretical framework to organizations for overcoming these barriers to achieve a TG-inclusive workplace. Thematic analysis, using Atlas.Ti software, and the interpretive structural modelling technique were used to synthesize a conceptual framework.

Findings

This study's outcomes highlight a substantial gap in achieving truly TG-inclusive workplaces, particularly in economies with prevalent social stigma like India. The findings show that traditional means may not be enough for building a TG-inclusive workplace, and organizations need to go the extra mile by promoting positive deviance and TG-centric corporate social responsibility initiatives to achieve results.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide insights for organizations seeking to improve the experiences of their TG employees and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The incorporation of HR professionals' insights offers a practical perspective, and the conceptual framework proposed for organizations to overcome TG employment barriers is a novel contribution.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Cathy A.R. Brant

This study aims to explore the self-efficacy of social studies teacher education working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) preservice teachers, teaching…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the self-efficacy of social studies teacher education working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) preservice teachers, teaching LGBTQ content in their methods courses, and helping the preservice teachers they teach in those classes reduce their bias and prejudice against LGBTQ individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, framed by self-efficacy theory, employs a mixed methods approach, qualitative semistructured interviews (n = 6) and quantitative (Likert-scale) survey questions (n = 174).

Findings

Participants reported high self-efficacy in working with LGBTQ students but showed decreased efficacy in teaching about LGBTQ content and helping reduce preservice teacher LGBTQ bias. Participants suggested that time in the curriculum, lack of knowledge about LGBTQ topics/issues, and the lack of institutional support are some of the leading barriers to LGBTQ inclusion in the social studies teacher preparation curriculum.

Originality/value

This is the only work conducted at this scale to examine social studies teacher educators' self-efficacy in LGBTQ-inclusion in methods courses. It has implications for increasing this self-efficacy to help make P-16 social studies education LGBTQ-inclusive.

Details

Social Studies Research and Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1933-5415

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

José Baptista, Dália Costa and Sónia P. Gonçalves

This study aims to analyze the relationship between attitudes towards organizational diversity and towards trans people, correlating them with the levels of transphobia among HR…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between attitudes towards organizational diversity and towards trans people, correlating them with the levels of transphobia among HR professionals. Drawing upon the Intergroup Contact Theory, we also seek to understand whether the results may be influenced by the contact variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through the administration of a questionnaire to a sample of 184 HR professionals. The questionnaire was comprised of self-constructed questions and previously validated scales, including: Attitudes Toward Diversity Scale (ATDS) (Montei et al., 1996), Attitudes Toward Transgendered Individuals (ATTI) Scale (Walch et al., 2012) and Genderism and Transphobia Scale (GTS) (Hill and Willoughby, 2005).

Findings

The results do not show high levels of negative attitudes towards organizational diversity or intolerance towards trans people, being these variables correlated, with higher levels of intolerance in the portion of the sample without contact with trans people.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the increase of knowledge in the field of HR Development Policies focusing on the thematic of Diversity and Inclusion, which is a very current and important topic in organizations today. Also, the relevance and contribution of the study point to the need for Human Resources Management Practices that take on positive discrimination and/or encourage the adoption of affirmative actions by organizations.

Propósito

Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la relación entre las actitudes hacia la diversidad organizacional y hacia las personas trans, correlacionándolas con los niveles de transfobia entre los profesionales de recursos humanos. Basándonos en la Teoría del Contacto Intergrupal, también buscamos comprender si los resultados pueden estar influenciados por la variable de contacto.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se recopilaron datos a través de la administración de un cuestionario a una muestra de 184 profesionales de recursos humanos. El cuestionario estaba compuesto por preguntas autoconstruidas y escalas previamente validadas, que incluían: Attitudes Toward Diversity Scale - ATDS (Montei et al., 1996), Attitudes Toward Transgendered Individuals (ATTI) Scale (Walch et al., 2012) y Genderism and Transphobia Scale - GTS (Hill and Willoughby, 2005).

Hallazgos

Los resultados no muestran altos niveles de actitudes negativas hacia la diversidad organizacional o intolerancia hacia las personas trans, siendo estas variables correlacionadas, con niveles más altos de intolerancia en la porción de la muestra sin contacto con personas transgénero.

Originalidad/valor

Este artículo contribuye al aumento del conocimiento en el campo de las políticas de desarrollo de recursos humanos, centrándose en la temática de Diversidad e Inclusión, la cual es un tema muy actual e importante en las organizaciones hoy en día. Además, la relevancia y contribución del estudio señalan la necesidad de prácticas de gestión de recursos humanos que asuman la discriminación positiva y/o fomenten la adopción de acciones afirmativas por parte de las organizaciones.

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Abstract

Details

Symbolic Interaction and Inequality
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-689-8

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2024

Megan Trotter and Julia Yates

The number of people being identified as non-binary and genderqueer (NBGQ) is rapidly increasing, but the literature offers scant guidance for organisations aiming to offer these…

Abstract

Purpose

The number of people being identified as non-binary and genderqueer (NBGQ) is rapidly increasing, but the literature offers scant guidance for organisations aiming to offer these workers an inclusive environment in which they feel that they belong. This study explores how the positive experiences of NBGQ individuals contribute to their sense of belonging in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants, exploring their positive experiences of belonging at work and the data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Findings

Three higher-order themes were created: allowing authenticity; social support and creating inclusive culture. Findings from this study suggest that NBGQ authenticity, perceived colleague social support and the proactive creation of inclusive organisational cultures interact to develop a sense of belonging for NBGQ individuals in the workplace.

Originality/value

Empirical studies on the experiences of non-binary people at work are almost non-existent. Existing research predominantly explores the negative experiences of NBGQ individuals as a subset of a transgender demographic. This article focuses specifically on the experiences of NBGQ workers and thus contributes to filling this gap in the literature.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 April 2024

Fredrik Svärdsten and Kristina Tamm Hallström

The aim of this paper is to contribute to knowledge about the diversity of credibility arrangements in new audit spaces “in the margins” of auditing and the implications of such…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to contribute to knowledge about the diversity of credibility arrangements in new audit spaces “in the margins” of auditing and the implications of such arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an in-depth qualitative study of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) rights certification run by the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights (RFSL) during its first decade of operation. We have interviewed employees and studied documents at the certification units within the RFSL. We have also interviewed certified organizations.

Findings

We highlight two features that explain the unusual credibility arrangements in this audit practice: the role of beneficiaries in the organizational arrangements chosen and the role of responsibility as an organizing value with consequences for responsibility allocation in this certification. These features make it possible for the RFSL to act as a credible auditor even though it deviates from common arrangements for credible audits.

Originality/value

The RFSL certification is different in several ways. First, the RFSL acts as both a trainer and an auditor. Second, the trainers/auditors at the RFSL have no accreditation to guarantee their credibility. Third, the RFSL decides for itself what standards should apply for the certification and adapts these standards to the operation being audited. Therefore, this case provides a good opportunity to study alternative credibility arrangements in the margins of auditing as well as their justifications.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 37 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2024

Nigel MacLennan

This study aims to explore and document some of the phenomena that seem to have toxified the trans debate.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore and document some of the phenomena that seem to have toxified the trans debate.

Design/methodology/approach

To create a partial compilation of the phenomena most known to cloud human judgement and reasoning, using the trans debate as the prime example.

Findings

The trans debate seems to have been increasingly toxified in ways predicted by well-documented psychological phenomena.

Research limitations/implications

Although much is known about the psychological toxifiers on an individual basis, little is known about how they interact to cause the emergence and amplification of toxic debate.

Practical implications

It is anticipated by studying the emergence of the toxicity around the trans debate, that the descent into toxic discourse in many other contexts can be better understood.

Social implications

If lessons can be learnt from the descent into toxicity in the trans debate, and its participants become aware of their behaviour, perhaps they can better work towards a mutually acceptable solution.

Originality/value

By compiling the factors responsible for the toxification of debate, it is hoped that what appear to be the precursors of all conflict and war can be better understood, prevented or avoided.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

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