"We Are Not a Curse, We Are a Gift": Trans and Nonbinary Joy and Its Role in Liberation

Liberation Now Podcast

In this episode, Helen Neville and Radia DeLuna speak with psychologist Dr. Em Matsuno about the meaning and importance of trans and nonbinary joy to wellbeing and liberation. Dr. Matsuno shares insights from their research highlighting the strengths, resilience, and joy found within trans and nonbinary communities. Listen in to learn more about research and community practices celebrating joy among trans and nonbinary youth, families, and adults.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr. Em Matsuno (they/them) is an assistant professor in Counseling and Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University. Dr. Matsuno’s primary research goals are (1) to understand the minority stressors and resilience factors that Two-Spirt, Trans, and Nonbinary (2STNB) people experience and (2) to develop and test interventions to reduce minority stressors and/or increase resilience factors for 2STNB people. Dr. Matsuno leads the EMpowerment lab, which aims to uplift, center, and empower Two-spirit, trans, and nonbinary (2STNB) people as scholars, researchers, practitioners, activists, and healers within the field of psychology. Dr. Matsuno is active within the Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP). They were the chair of the Early Career Professionals (ECP) committee within Division 17 and are on the editorial board for the Journal of Counseling Psychology.

Empowerment Lab Instagram: @empowerment_lab_asu

EMpowerment Lab webpage

SELECTED RESOURCES

Articles

• Austin, A., Papciak, R., & Lovins, L. (2022). Gender euphoria: A grounded theory exploration of experiencing gender affirmation. Psychology & Sexuality, 13(5), 1406–1426.

• Flynn, S. S., Touhey, S., Sullivan, T. R., & Mereish, E. H. (2024). Queer and transgender joy: A daily diary qualitative study of positive identity factors among sexual and gender minority adolescents. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Advance online publication.

• Matsuno, E., & Israel, T. (2018). Psychological interventions promoting resilience among transgender individuals: Transgender resilience intervention model (TRIM). The Counseling Psychologist, 46(5), 632-655.

• Pease, M V., Kang, N., Oluwakemi, G., Jin, L., Bradshaw, B., & Le, T. P. (2024). “It’s like having a superpower”: Reclaiming creativity and the intersectional experiences of trans young adults of color.Journal of Counseling Psychology, 71(4), 215–228.

• Shuster, S. M., & Westbrook, L. (2022). Reducing the joy deficit in sociology: A study of transgender joy. Social Problems, spac034.

Workbooks, Guides, and Other Resources

• Singh, A. A. (2018). The queer and transgender resilience workbook: Skills for navigating sexual orientation and gender expression. New Harbinger Publications.

• The FOLX Trans Joy Guide

• EMpowerment Lab Resource Page

Webinars

• Affirmative Therapy with Trans and Nonbinary Clients an APA Division 17 Webinar with Drs. Em Matsuno and Sebastian Barr

• “It Feels Like Everyone is Coming For Us”: Supporting Trans and Nonbinary Clients in Hostile Environments an APA Division 17 Webinar with Drs. Em Matsuno and Sebastian Barr

STAY IN TOUCH!

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Email: [e-mail] | Instagram & X: @liberationlab_

EPISODE CREDITS

Music: Amir Maghsoodi and Briana Williams

Podcast Artwork: B. Andi Lee & Amir Maghsoodi

Producers: Helen Neville & Radia DeLuna

Editing: Helen Neville

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

bit.ly/LibNowE15