LE3 .A278 2021

2021

Auger, Jeanette

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Sociology

Sociology

The author explores the experiences of non-binary individuals within the Nova Scotia medical system with a focus on the inclusion or exclusion of their identities and how that has affected their medical access for both general health and gender-affirming healthcare. Interviews were utilized and consisted of eleven interviews with non-binary individuals, some of which were conducted in person and the remainder were conducted via Zoom, Skype and Discord. Following this the qualitative data were then analyzed and coding methods were used to discover the themes which emerged from the data to find themes such as misgendering, a lack of education/experience and (un)willingness to acknowledge on the part of healthcare professionals, presentation of self by participants expressed through personal appearance, use of advocates, possible avoidance of medical clinics/offices, and environmental (dis)comfort with the portrayal of services such as posters or informational pamphlets available.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3689