The purpose of this study is to understand how Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people with multiple marginalized identities experience gender euphoria. Often, stories about gender euphoria reflect the experiences of more privileged trans people (e.g., White, able-bodied, documented, etc.). Unfortunately, this focus can exclude the voices of trans people who hold multiple marginalized identities (e.g., disabled trans people, Black trans people, transmasculine people who are birthing parents, etc.). The goal of this study is to add more trans people’s voices to these conversations.

The primary investigators are Sergio Domínguez and Dr. Stephanie Budge. This work is also supervised by Drs. Alberta Gloria (she/her), Corissa Lotta (she/her), and Amber Johnson (they/them).

Process
Interested participants must complete a screening survey (link here). If selected, participants will be invited to a 60-90-minute recorded virtual interview with Sergio, a trans-identified researcher of color, to talk about gender euphoria. After data analysis, participants will have the option of providing feedback on study results to ensure accurate, empowering depiction of participants’ experiences. Participation is voluntary, and participants may withdraw from the study at any time without consequence. Informed consent procedures will be followed. We don’t anticipate that participation will result in harm or distress. All participants will be provided a list of wellbeing and mental health resources.

Target Population AKA who we are looking for
Any person holding multiple marginalized identities (e.g., POC, disabled, etc.), over the age of 18 who identifies as Two Spirit, trans, and/or nonbinary, and has experienced gender euphoria. We will do targeted sampling to ensure we a diverse sample (e.g., diversity in terms of ability, gender, occupation, race, socioeconomic status, etc.), so not all interested participants will be contacted for an interview. All 60-90-minute interviews and supporting materials will be in English.

Compensation
Participants will be compensated $100 for their participation in an interview. Participants will receive an additional $25 if they provide feedback to study results.

Trans people of color were the primary contributors to the research questions, interview protocol, and study procedures. Additional researchers involved are invested in supporting trans people’s wellbeing. All interviews will be conducted by Sergio Domínguez, who is queer, trans, nonbinary, multiracial, Latine, able-bodied (some invisible disabilities), U.S.-born, and educated. Finally, participants will have the option of providing feedback on study results to ensure accurate, empowering depiction of participants’ experiences.

The IRB at the University of Wisconsin-Madison approved this study. We are unaware of any openly trans members of the IRB.

Accessing Results
The findings of this study will be disseminated through various channels, including non-academic publications and peer reviewed journals. For accessibility, Sergio Domínguez’s dissertation defense will be held virtually and will be open to the public. Upon publication, accessible links to research articles will be disseminated through Sergio Domínguez’s ResearchGate profile and Twitter (@PsychSerg). Additionally, findings will be incorporated into community-facing and accessible presentations, and will also be incorporated into presentations and trainings for clinicians interested in working with Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary clients.