| This dissertations looks at how a communal living environment for trans women interacts with the (re)building of an identity. Specifically, I explore how the occupants of Transy House, a domestic collective in Brooklyn, New York, use and are influenced by the social and physical environments to create, express and support their gender and sexuality.; Currently, there is very little space within the physical geography where trans persons can safely be who they are without fear of homophobic or transphobic violence. And yet, territorial proprietorship is critical to supporting, validating, and fortifying identities. Transy House, therefore, represents a usurping of place (i.e. power) by trans individuals that is significant to the evolvement of the self and the building of a collective empowerment.; From this research five main themes emerged: (1) Transy House has created a transcape with the potential to become a powerful site of resistance; (2) through socialization with other trans residents, trans women learn about gender and sexuality while they perpetuate the gender binary; (3) individual identities are displayed, supported and protected in the physical environment of personal spaces; (4) the collective identity is expressed and reinforced in the landscape of the public spaces; and (5) within the tumultuous social environment and the poor physical condition of Transy House, many trans women continue to find refuge in this trans-dominated space.; The findings are significant to creating a richer and more comprehensive understanding of identity. In particular, they offer a unique socio-environmental framework for which to explore post-transition trans identity development. Additionally, this research expands existing person-place literatures and opens new doors to understanding how groups interact with their environments. Moreover, the findings have the potential to impact current legislation by providing the impetus to expand policies that protect trans individuals from bias and discrimination in work and housing. |
