Transgender and the transpersonal: An introduction and a call for research

Transgender individuals are more likely to engage with spirituality than with organized religion, yet research on this topic is scarce. Given the high rates of personal distress and suicide risk in this population, effective support is needed. The authors argue that existential crises may be addressed through spirituality, noting that several cultures associate transgender identity with spiritual roles. This paper examines transgender and spiritual identity across cultures, reviews research in secular societies, and evaluates models that could provide spiritual support to integrate mind-body dysphoria by engaging the spirit.

Study at a glance

Abstract

While there is a tradition of research in relation to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community and religiosity, there is a paucity of research relating to spirituality. Additionally, classifying such ‘non–conforming’ groups into a general classification has inherent problems, specifically in relation to those identifying as transgender more likely to engage in spirituality, as opposed to religion, than other groups. With the high prevalence of personal distress and harm to mental wellbeing experienced by individuals identifying as transgender, especially with the increasedrisk of suicide attempts, effective support and counselling are required. Such existential crisis could potentially be addressed through greater engagement with spirituality: indeed, several cultures identify transgender as relating to spirituality. This paper explores transgender and spiritual identity in different cultures, while highlighting research in the more secular society, culminatingin an evaluation of various models which may provide spiritual support to help integrate the predominant dysphoria between mind and body, through engaging the spirit to harmonise the conflict.