Joy Beyond the Gender Binary: Experiences, Constructions, and Barriers of Joy in Nonbinary Lives

Sociologists have increasingly begun exploring the experiences of gender-expansive populations; however, these studies are oversaturated with negative experiences of prejudice and discrimination and do not accurately portray the joy that accompanies identifying outside of the gender binary. This omission of joy prevents a comprehensive exploration of gender-expansive lives, potentially reinforcing stereotypes and contributing to the marginalization of their diverse narratives. To address the growing concern about the "joy deficit" in sociology and trans studies, I conducted in-depth interviews with 28 nonbinary people in which they discussed their experiences of joy. This study identifies four key dimensions of nonbinary joy: 1) discovery of gender identity; 2) authentic expression of gender; 3) external affirmation of identity and expression; and 4) engagement with validating communities. However, interviewees also discussed individual and social factors that frequently created barriers to experiencing these forms of joy. By examining both the sources of nonbinary joy and obstacles to its realization, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of gender-expansive identities. Furthermore, this project reveals joy as a social constructed phenomenon, influenced by structural factors that govern its accessibility and manifestation, rather than an individual state of being.