"It Feels Powerful to Be Myself, Finally": Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Gender Identity Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals have existed throughout history. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in isolation and other factors that influenced individuals’ relationships with themselves. It was believed this applied to TGNB individuals as well, specifically as it relates to their gender identity development. This qualitative study aimed to answer the following research questions: What are the gender identity development experiences of TGNB individuals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? How might these experiences relate to gender performativity, if at all? Utilizing the Heuristic Inquiry research methodology, five themes were discovered: Development, Identity, External Influence, Connection, and Health. Results supply a complex, rich narrative to represent participants’ experiences.