Bye Bye Binary: Exploring Non-Binary Youths\u27 Experiences of Mental Health, Discrimination, and Community Belongingness

In recent years, there has been an increase in research focusing on the impacts of social exclusion and discrimination on the mental health of transgender populations. Despite this, few studies have focused on the experiences of gender non-conforming, or “non-binary” individuals. This community-based participatory research (CBPR) study (N = 10) used the arts-informed method of body mapping, individual interviews, and group discussions to examine non-binary young peoples’ experiences of discrimination in relation to mental health. Participants consisted young people (ages 16-25) living in Waterloo, Ontario. A visual analysis, thematic analysis, and member-checking session were employed to analyze collected data. In the following thesis document, I present two manuscripts where I share a) a methodological reflection of engaging with qualitative and arts-based approaches, and b) results pertaining to mental health, discrimination, and community belongingness. I describe how I, a non-binary researcher, grappled with my positionality within the research context, theoretical frameworks, and commitments to undertaking research with and for community. Implications for institutional policy, curriculum, and pedagogy within post-secondary institutions are discussed