Abstract
Background: Physical activity and recreation (PAR) spaces are often places in which Trans and gender-diverse (TGD) persons are made to feel marginalized, ignored, invisible; TGD people often avoid these spaces altogether, which can severely impact their health and wellbeing.
Objective: Guided by the Quality Participation framework, this study enabled members of the TGD community to a) identify barriers to quality access and participation in PAR, b) share their perspectives on the meaning of inclusiveness, and c) report on the broader cultural climate of university campus PAR.
Method: TGD individuals from Canadian university campuses (N=43; mean age 24) completed an online survey derived from the Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation (MeEAP). A sub-sample (N=5) participated in a focus group.
Results: Average MeEAP subscale scores (out of 5) for aspects of quality participation included: a) autonomy 4.0; b) belongingness 3.1; c) challenge 3.4; d) engagement 3.3; e) mastery 3.5; and f) meaning 3.5. Six themes emerged from the inductive thematic qualitative analysis: a) Dedicated Programming and Exercise Spaces; b) Inclusive Signage, Gendered Spaces, and Accessibility; c) Staff Education and Training; d) Workout Culture and Personal Foundations; e) Atmosphere, Attire, and Microaggressions; and f) Vicarious Belonging & the Meaning of Inclusiveness.
Conclusion: Findings suggest the autonomy endorsed by TGD participants in PAR spaces does not translate to a sense of comfort and belonging. The absence of inclusive signage and gender-neutral washrooms contribute to this sense of discomfort and alienation, as does ignorance of program facilitators to embodied considerations around sport and movement.
