A Photovoice Exploration of the Experiences
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If I Can Be Myself, I Can Do Anything: A Photovoice Exploration of the Experiences of Transgender College Students by Sze May Lim, B.F.A. A Thesis In HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION AND STUDENT AFFAIRS Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF EDUCATION Approved Dr. Dimitra Jackson Co-Chair of Committee Dr. Stacy A. Jacob Co-Chair of Committee Dr. Judi Henry Committee Member Dominick Casadonte Dean of the Graduate School December, 2012 Copyright © 2012, Sze May Lim Texas Tech University, Sze May Lim, December 2012 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted to the students who participated in this study. It was an honor and privilege to be given a glimpse into their lives through their stories and photographs. I am touched by their experiences of pain and suffering in living in a hostile world, and inspired by their hope and joy that emerged from honoring themselves in becoming who they were meant to be. Their courage, strength, and authenticity have influenced me in profound ways, and I am a better person and student affairs professional because of our time together. I am also sincerely grateful for Dr. Stacy Jacob’s guidance and support. I would not have embarked on this journey if not for her influence in my academic endeavors during my time at Texas Tech University. More than any other professor in the program, she instilled in me the importance of social justice in the work of student affairs, and the belief that I can make a profound impact in the lives of my students. It was from this firm foundation that this study emerged. Finally, I am grateful for Dr. Judi Henry and Dr. Dimitra Jackson for their ever-present support. Their belief in the importance of this study has been a source of encouragement and strength. ii Texas Tech University, Sze May Lim, December 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................... ii ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................. vi LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................... vii I STUDY OVERVIEW .................................................................................................. 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1 Statement of the Problem ........................................................................................... 2 Need for the Study ..................................................................................................... 3 Research Question...................................................................................................... 4 Literature Review ....................................................................................................... 4 Theoretical and Personal Frameworks ....................................................................... 7 Limitations ............................................................................................................... 11 Definition of Terms .................................................................................................. 13 Description of Chapters ........................................................................................... 19 II LITERATURE REVIEW ......................................................................................... 21 Campus Climate ....................................................................................................... 21 LGBT Student Experience and Development .......................................................... 23 Transgender Experience in Higher Education ......................................................... 26 Transgender Identity Development .......................................................................... 28 Western Medical and Psychiatric Perspectives ........................................................ 29 Queer Perspectives ................................................................................................... 30 Critique of Queer Theory ......................................................................................... 32 D’Augelli’s Model Of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Development .......................... 33 Application Of D’Augelli’s Model to Trans Individuals ......................................... 35 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 36 III METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................. 38 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 38 Research Questions .................................................................................................. 38 Epistemological and Theoretical Frameworks ......................................................... 39 iii Texas Tech University, Sze May Lim, December 2012 Methodological Framework ..................................................................................... 41 Researcher’s Narrative: Personal Framework .......................................................... 45 Data Sources ............................................................................................................ 56 Recruitment of Participants ...................................................................................... 56 Retention Issues ....................................................................................................... 58 Data Collection Procedures ...................................................................................... 59 Development of Interview Protocol ......................................................................... 60 Data Analysis ........................................................................................................... 61 Trustworthiness ........................................................................................................ 62 Ethical Considerations ............................................................................................. 64 Institution Profile ..................................................................................................... 65 Participant Profiles ................................................................................................... 66 Summary .................................................................................................................. 68 IV FINDINGS .............................................................................................................. 69 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 69 Isolation and Emotional Turmoil ............................................................................. 70 Defining a Transgender Identity .............................................................................. 78 Creating a Cohesive Sense of Self ........................................................................... 84 Transitioning ............................................................................................................ 87 Importance of Support ............................................................................................. 96 Lack of Awareness ................................................................................................. 102 Application to D’augelli’s Model of LGB Development ...................................... 109 VI CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................... 117 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 117 Statement Of The Problem ..................................................................................... 117 Research Question.................................................................................................. 118 Methodology .......................................................................................................... 119 Theoretical and Personal Frameworks ................................................................... 119 Findings .................................................................................................................. 123 Implications for Future Research ........................................................................... 130 iv Texas Tech University, Sze May Lim, December 2012 Recommendations for Higher Education ............................................................... 133 Implications for My Practice .................................................................................. 136 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 138 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 139 A IRB PROPOSAL .................................................................................................... 144 B IRB APPROVAL ................................................................................................... 157 C IRB AMENDMENT AND APPROVAL #1 .........................................................