Specimens and Spectrums: Transgender and Nonbinary Museum Staff and Volunteers Experiences

Authors:

• Grayson McKinnerney, Master of Arts in Museology
• Chair: Jessica Luke
• Amanda Lock Swarr
• Nicole Robert

Contact the author

Abstract:

An emerging body of research highlights the importance of trans inclusion in the workplace. Museums are uniquely situated as both outreach and in-reach organizations to encourage trans inclusion. As places for introspection, education, and connection, they have the potential to inspire shifts in opinion if they take a stance with trans staff, along with their trans attendees. This qualitative research study examines how trans and gender nonconforming staff at museums experience feelings of inclusion and to what institutional supports they attribute their inclusion. This phenomenology analyzes the interview responses of fourteen trans and nonbinary museum staff and/or volunteers across the United States.