FREE TO BE ME? EVOLVING GENDER EXPRESSION AND THE DYNAMIC INTERPLAY BETWEEN AUTHENTICITY AND THE DESIRE TO BE ACCEPTED AT WORK

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Hennekam, Sophie; Ladge, Jamie J.
• 署名单位: Audencia; Northeastern University; University of Exeter
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0001-4273
• DOI: 10.5465/amj.2020.1308
• 发表日期: 2023
• 页码: 1529-1553
• 关键词: TRANSGENDER EMPLOYEES; TRUE SELF; WORKPLACE; IDENTITY; experiences; TRANSITION; diversity; selves; LIFE

摘要

This study examines how the gender expression of transgender individuals evolves as they transition in the context of work. We draw from interviews with 25 transgender employees conducted at four points in time over a two-year period as they initiated, performed, and continued their gender transition. Contributing to the literature on authenticity and identity transitions, our findings challenge the assumptions that individuals know how to express an authentic self and that authenticity has an endpoint by pointing to the evolving and relational nature of authenticity that involves a trial-and-error approach in which transgender individuals learn to become authentic as they engage in various forms of gender performativity. Further, we position authenticity as a continuum, as individuals may temper their gender expression to elicit acceptance and express a gender that feels authentic enough as they contend with the impact of prevailing gender norms and expectations in the workplace. Finally, the findings suggest that the identity transition process evolves in a nonlinear way and involves a dynamic interplay between the desire to express one's gender in a way that feels authentic and the desire to feel accepted by others.