Trans Individuals in Spain: Social and Personal Experiences and Identities of Migrant and Non-Migrant Individuals

In response to the growing visibility of trans communities, some countries, suchas Spain, have implemented policies designed to benefit trans individuals and grant them rights and access to medical and legal services. As such, my dissertation research centered on trans communities residing in Valencia, Spain, with a comparative focus on migrant and non-migrant trans individuals to understand how policy changes and their implementations impacted these communities’ lives. I especially looked at the effects it was having on migrant trans individuals’ experiences, as their stories are typically overlooked and under-researched. My research explored the experiences and identities of 33 trans individuals who live in Valencia, Spain, and some surrounding areas. I used a multi-method and comparative approach and analysis to understand the lives of 19 trans individuals born in Spain and 14 individuals who migrated from Latin America, Russia, Ukraine, and Belgium. Relying on intersectional qualitative methodologies, semi- structured interviews, a photovoice project, archival research, and over 100 hours of participant observation, my research documents a critical historical moment for trans communities. Situated in a historical period between 2000 till today, I show how various trans communities have endured the Franco dictatorship and the various sociopolitical challenges, including the most recent regional and national election in Spain. This research focuses on non-migrant and migrant trans individuals’ sense of belonging and incorporation into Spain’s public and private spheres. The dissertation sheds light on the immigration experience of trans individuals fleeing their countries of origin, mostly from Latin America, to escape gender discrimination in hopes of finding a safe place to live in Spain. It also shows the critical role that social relations and support systems play in their ii overall well-being. Finally, this work focuses on how trans individuals describe their gender identity, why they have embraced their identity(ies), and how they assert and display them in different spaces.