The journey of transitioning: Being a trans male athlete in college sport

Publication date: Available online 29 September 2018Source: Sport Management ReviewAuthor(s): Alexandra Klein, Amanda L. Paule-Koba, Vikki KraneAbstractWhile research is emerging about transgender athletes, little is known about their experiences during their transition. Through the lens of transfeminism, this case study followed one U.S. transgender male college athlete as he transitioned from a women’s to a men’s team. The research questions were: (a) what are the experiences of this athlete as he comes out about his trans identity, (b) how is he received by teammates and coaches, and (c) what are his emotional, social, psychological, and athletic experiences during his transition. The athlete participated in a series of interviews across nine months during his transition. Narrative analysis (Smith & Sparkes, 2009) of the data resulted in five themes presented in a series of vignettes: setting the scene: early memories and identity, coming out, being a competitive college athlete, an emotional roller coaster, and contemplating the future. This case offers insights conceptually as well as practically.
Source: Sport Management Review - Category: Sports Medicine Source Type: research