Gender Representations, Gender Dysphoria and Gender Euphoria in Nonbinary Young Adults. A qualitative study

Aim: Nonbinary gender identities refer to those individuals who do not identify exclusively as either male or female. Instead, they may identify as a combination of both, as neither, or as something entirely different from the traditional binary genders. Living in a binary world, nonbinary individuals have various experiences that may lead to gender dysphoria. However, the new meanings developed according to the nonbinary identity can make up also new frameworks for integrating conflicting gender aspects. The purpose of this qualitative research study is to explore gender representations, gender dysphoria and gender euphoria experienced by nonbinary young adults living in Italy, in a strong binary social and linguistic context such the Italian one. Methods: The study utilized a qualitative research design, specifically a phenomenological approach, to explore the lived experiences of nonbinary young adults. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The study included 40 participants between the ages of 19 to 36 (M=27,19; SD=4,77) who identified as nonbinary. Results: The analysis of the data revealed three main themes that capture the experiences of nonbinary young adults. The first theme was the representations of binary genders, which gathers the descriptions of male and female genders, the distance and the closeness they felt towards them regarding their identity. The second theme was the relationship between social dysphoria and body dysphoria, in which we analyze the complex intertwining of body, identity, gender and society, in depicting the unique form of gender dysphoria perceived by nonbinary individuals. The third theme was nonbinary as gender integration, which collects the meanings attributed to gender aspects in the light of the newly developed nonbinary identity. Participants reported feeling a sense of comfort and euphoria when they developed new understanding of their perceptions regarding gender. Discussion: The experiences of nonbinary young adults living in a binary world are complex and multifaceted. The findings of this study, delving deeply in the personal meanings attributed to gender, highlight the unique challenges and possibilities faced by this group. Implications for clinical care and practice are discussed.