Transgender recreation experiences in the Lower Mainland

In recent years, awareness of the need for policies supporting the inclusion of the transgender community has become more prevalent in Canada. However, the transgender community continues to experience discrimination, layered forms of stigma, and violence that have a significant impact on self-esteem, mental health, social location, and ability to feel safe moving through society. This primary aim of this study was to determine what internal and external factors contribute to increased recreation engagement in the transgender community in the Lower Mainland. What factors can contribute to increased recreation engagement for trans individuals in the Lower Mainland? The data is comprised of the responses of 13 transgender individuals who ranged in age from 26-53 and responded to an online survey. Snowball and purposive sampling were employed. A qualitative questionnaire was utilized through Survey Planet, and was comprised of 36 items. Internal and external factors discovered to positively or negatively impact transgender recreation levels include trans-specific programming, universal changerooms, and transphobia as external factors. Body satisfaction, comfort in gender segregated spaces, and anticipation of transphobia were identified was internal factors. Feelings of safety within recreation appeared to decrease with age, and factors impacting feelings of safety increased with age. Complex internal/external factors contribute to trans experiences within recreation. Stage of transition also plays a role; but has a mixed impact. The results indicate that a one-size fits all approach to transgender recreation inclusion may not be effective in supporting the recreation engagement of the transgender community. Poster submission was sponsored by Dr. Colleen Reid, (Applied Community Studies Department) for course THRT 3710 and was presented at the Coquitlam campus on April 5, 2023, for Student Research Days 2023.