A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Uncomfortable in my own skin - emerging, early-stage identity-related information needs of transgender people
Authors: Aira Huttunen, Noora Hirvonen, Lotta Kähkönen
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD
Publication year: 2020
Journal: Journal of Documentation
Journal name in source: JOURNAL OF DOCUMENTATION
Journal acronym: J DOC
Volume: 76
Issue: 3
Number of pages: 21
ISSN: 0022-0418
eISSN: 1758-7379
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-09-2019-0193
Self-archived copy’s web address: http://jultika.oulu.fi/files/nbnfi-fe2020050725615.pdf
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to increase the understanding of the early-stage identity-related information needs of transgender people.Design/methodology/approach This study draws on social constructivism, queer theory and information practice research. In accordance with the queer phenomenological approach which emphasises lived experiences, data was collected by interviewing 25 individuals who identified as transgender. The data was analysed with a focus on how early-stage information needs are formed into conscious information needs. Findings The formation of early-stage information needs were conceptualised as a chain including a trigger for information seeking, finding the right words and understanding the experience. Especially the bodily changes starting at puberty were strong causes of discomfort causing friction between the subjects' own gendered body and their gender experience, even leading to gender dysphoria. Finding words to describe the experience played an important role in the process of identity formation. In many cases this was difficult because of the lack of accurate and relevant information.Social implications - Providing information especially of varying transgender experiences is vital for individuals trying to understand and verbalise their gender identity.Originality/value This study provides an understanding of the early-stage information needs described by transgender people and the process of building identities through disorientation. This study suggests that early-stage information needs are a valid concept to help understand how embodied experiences and the friction between the lived experience and the social world can lead to information seeking.
Purpose This study aims to increase the understanding of the early-stage identity-related information needs of transgender people.Design/methodology/approach This study draws on social constructivism, queer theory and information practice research. In accordance with the queer phenomenological approach which emphasises lived experiences, data was collected by interviewing 25 individuals who identified as transgender. The data was analysed with a focus on how early-stage information needs are formed into conscious information needs. Findings The formation of early-stage information needs were conceptualised as a chain including a trigger for information seeking, finding the right words and understanding the experience. Especially the bodily changes starting at puberty were strong causes of discomfort causing friction between the subjects' own gendered body and their gender experience, even leading to gender dysphoria. Finding words to describe the experience played an important role in the process of identity formation. In many cases this was difficult because of the lack of accurate and relevant information.Social implications - Providing information especially of varying transgender experiences is vital for individuals trying to understand and verbalise their gender identity.Originality/value This study provides an understanding of the early-stage information needs described by transgender people and the process of building identities through disorientation. This study suggests that early-stage information needs are a valid concept to help understand how embodied experiences and the friction between the lived experience and the social world can lead to information seeking.
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