Trans*formative spirituality and self-preservation in the lives of trans Latinxs

Publication Date

6-1-2021

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Latino Studies

Volume

19

Issue

2

DOI

10.1057/s41276-021-00323-6

First Page

207

Last Page

225

Abstract

Drawing on surveys and in-depth interviews with trans Latinxs in Los Angeles, I argue that spirituality is a source of resilience when trans immigrants face marginalization stemming from racism, xenophobia, and transphobia precipitated by factors rooted in cisgendered policy and social norms. Trans Latinxs embrace spirituality by (1) identifying as Christian or Catholic and/or engaging in Latino popular religion; (2) engaging in nontraditionally Latinx spaces such as other community groups, spaces, and religions to embrace their faith and spirituality; and even (3) exploring and creating their own type of spirituality. Taking a grounded theory approach, the author offers the concept of trans*formative spirituality, which is defined as a spirituality that trans Latinxs perform as an embodied knowledge that in living their truth in their bodies, and also in their journey to their own truth, they are able to transform and convert others around them.

Keywords

Latinx, Religion, Spirituality, Trans*formative spirituality, Transgender

Department

Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

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