An Historical Case Study of Trans Exclusion and Empowerment: Implications for Transgender Older Adults and Aging

Transgender older adults have a long history of exclusion that shapes current experiences with social services. However, scant gerontological research uses archival data, which can provide critical context for service providers. Moreover, sparse research examines how exclusion can be a catalyst for change that social workers could leverage. Empowerment theory provides a theoretical tool to explain how this is possible. This multidisciplinary case study blends community member interviews and archival data to answer this question: How did exclusion shape empowerment and social change for transgender Americans? This study focuses on the events before and after the Compton's Cafeteria Riot, one of the first acts of LGBTQIA+ collective resistance that led to new services for and by transgender Americans. Data reveal how exclusion facilitated the emergence of collective empowerment among transgender women and queer youth in San Francisco. Archival data shows how exclusion preceded self-efficacy, critical consciousness, involvement with similar others, acquisition of new skills, and ultimately action to eliminate social, economic, and political barriers and power imbalances. This study provides both empirical and theoretical tools to contribute new data and perspectives on trans exclusion and empowerment and its implications for social workers serving transgender older adults.