Questions and doubts in online trans communities

This talk will explore the ways online trans communities handle questions and doubts about gender dysphoria, trans identification, and transition/detransition. Concepts like internalized transphobia and imposter syndrome function as socially acceptable ways to express and minimize or dismiss questions and doubts that emerge at all stages of questioning, transitioning, and detransitioning, in ways that keep collective bonds, as well as personal narratives, intact.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the ways concepts like internalized transphobia, imposter syndrome, and intrusive thoughts function to express, manage, contain, and dismiss questions and doubts.
• Examine community members’ alternative explanations for gender dysphoria, trans identification, and the desire to transition.
• Explore what trans identification and transition symbolize to girls and young women, drawing on discussions in online communities

Presenter Bio:

Sarah Mittermaier is a researcher examining the online communities where young people form new beliefs and attitudes about gender and develop expectations and intentions around transition. Her M.Sc. thesis, Questions and Doubts in Online Trans Communities, is available through McGill University. She is currently writing a book on gender medicine for Polity.

Therapy First has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7505. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy First is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This webinar provide 1.5 hours of CE credits.