The Vicious Circle of Panopticism: Experiences of Trans and Gender Variant Migrants in Norway

Even though there is a growing number of studies in the transgender field, it is very little known about trans and gender variant (TGV) migrants ́ experiences. The aim of this study is, therefore, to gain a better understanding of their experiences within the Norwegian context. An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used to explore the lived experiences of TGV migrants in Norway. The study used several qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight TGV migrants ages 24-46, and five key informants who are important actors within trans-specific healthcare and, or migration process. Grey literature and media debates were also analyzed. Findings are divided into three chapters. The first chapter explores participants ́ experiences with the Norwegian Immigration authorities when applying for asylum. Some of the participants were denied asylum because their stories were not ‘convincing’ enough for the Norwegian Immigration authorities. They were also placed in unsafe environments at reception centers where they experienced discrimination and violence. The second chapter explores participants ́ experiences with accessing trans-specific healthcare. Participants reported that obtaining a diagnosis through Nasjonal behandlingstjeneste for transseksualisme (NBTS) can be a long-lasting process. It doubles the waiting times for those who had a diagnosis from other countries as the diagnosis is not accepted by the NBTS, which is the only authorized institution to give access to publicly funded gender-affirming care in Norway. Trans and gender variant asylum claimants do not have access to trans-specific healthcare until they are ‘granted’ a legal status. Besides, NBTS uses outdated diagnostic criteria based on exclusively gender binary model. Trans and gender variant care-seekers who do not manage to ‘convince’ medical team at NBTS they are a ‘true transsexual’ are, therefore, left with no public access to gender-affirming care. Waiting time and not obtaining a diagnosis further leads to TGV migrants navigate the healthcare system and find other alternatives to access gender-affirming care. The third chapter is a more in-depth discussion of the first and second chapters. A visual representation of vicious circle of panopticism is presented. TGV migrants who are often hypervisible through societal panopticism, become invisible through institutional panopticism, which creates a paradox of trans visibility. What will count as truth depends on institutional politics of truth and establishing “the truth” is sometimes a lengthy process, which further creates alternative spatiotemporalities. Key words: Asylum claims, reception centers, gender-affirming care, trans-specific healthcare, navigating the system, HRT, trans migratio