Coping with Verbal Stigmatization: A Study of the experiences of transgender

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to attune the dynamics of stigma by evaluating its various dimensions (i.e. Model, Levels and Types) on the subject of transgender. Secondly how transgender community is coping with stigma specifically enacted stigma when it comes in the form of verbal abuse. A qualitative analysis was carried out to arbitrate the narratives of transgender. These measurers aid in demystifying the thematic analysis of stigma, its concepts imbued in its two major components labelling and stereotyping which wreak stigma at structural level. Stigma at structural level is a key to all dimensions of stigma, i.e. interpersonal, individual level and the four type e.g. public stigma, self-stigma, stigma by association and structural stigma. Stigmatization does affect the mental and psychological wellbeing of transgender. The continuous distress they face led them to internalized stigma that disturbs their cognitive and behavioral abilities which were studied in two broader themes, i.e. facilitative coping and avoidant coping mechanism. With the help of thematic analyses fourteen strategies were outlined which elucidate the use of avoidant coping strategies were higher relatively to facilitative coping strategies. It was discovered that stigmatization of transgender community lies in the obscurity of their gender identity, sex and sexual orientation. This ambiguity allows the stigmatizing group (cisgender) to influence over the stigmatized (transgender) in the form of economic, social and political and imposes their biased beliefs on others as their stigmatizing beliefs.