| Abstract [eng] |
The thesis analyses the experiences of adult transgender individuals receiving social services through the context of the theory of gender performativity. By using J. Butler’s theory of gender performativity a dynamic outlook of gender identity is discovered, showing the fluctuation and differences in transgender expression. By understanding the subtle differences of transgender individuals who receive social services the context of their social problems is uncovered, showing the need to adjust social services to first strengthen the receivers’ abilities to realize their gender identity. Transgender individuals are known to experience increased social crises, many of them causes by limited abilities to safely express their identity due to discrimination or lack of a safe living space. In the theoretical part J. Butler’s gender performativity theory is examined along with the parameters of providing social services to transgender individuals, uncovering specific social problems that transgender individuals face and the connections to their intensity when identity expression is limited. The aim is to analyze the experiences of adult transgender individuals receiving social services in Lithuania. The method of analysis is qualitative research, based upon semi-structured interviews. Seven adult transgender individuals who received social services in the Lithuanian social service system participated in the research. The research uncovered that transgender individuals see themselves as ignored by the Lithuanian social services system as they are not differentiated as a separate group of interest, as such these individuals are prone not to trust social workers and avoid receiving social services. Positive experiences show that the most effective collaboration between a social worker and transgender person happens when the provided services are oriented to fulfil the individuals need to live authentically in their uncovered gender identity. In the future participants wish to see a separate sphere of social services, catered specifically to LGBTQ+ individuals, insisting that a safe space which immediately shows itself as supportive to different gender identities would make them have less second thoughts about seeking social services. |
