More Than Just Words: A Thematic Analysis of Black Transgender and Gender Diverse People's Medical Experiences

Abstract

This thesis project aimed to explore how provider language impacts medical experiences for Black transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia is home to historic Black communities and a large TGD population (StatCan, 2019; StatCan, 2022), however previous health-related research has not focused on Black TGD populations. To fill the current gaps in the literature, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four Black TGD people in Nova Scotia who were asked to share about their past medical experiences. The interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis guided by social constructionism and Black trans feminism. Five themes emerged including Barriers to Care, Assumptions and Non-affirming Language, Affirming Language, Provider Identity and Communication Style, and Medicine: Medical Terms, Medical Education, and Medical Training. These findings contribute to understanding the unique experiences of this patient population. Findings may be significant for medical providers in their clinical practice and may be used to adapt medical education to account for the needs of this patient population.