THE CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSGENDER IDENTITY AND THE IMPOSITIONS OF THE BINARY AND CISNORMATIVE SOCIAL MATRIX

Abstract

Gender identity is a continuous formation influenced by culture and social conditions, reflecting transformations and cultural approaches. The aim of this study is to identify the intrinsic aspects related to the identity construction process of transgender individuals. Based on this, the research was designed as a qualitative study, interviewing 14 transgender individuals aged between 19 and 30 years, residing in the municipality of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. A semi-structured interview was used, consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire and questions focused on the (re)construction of transgender identity. The data collected were analyzed using the hermeneutic-dialectical technique. The results indicated that the concept of gender is widely perceived as a social construct belonging to a binary and cisnormative system. The process of transitioning is described as a journey of self-recognition and appropriation of one’s own experiences, where social pressures and impositions become more evident and regulatory. Furthermore, losses and deprivations faced by transgender people during identity transition were highlighted. The binary social imposition is constantly reaffirmed, resulting in psychological distress and significant losses during the identity transition process. The pressure to conform to gender standards leads to the policing and surveillance of bodies, perpetuating violence and social control over gender identity.