# Gender euphoria reimagined: toward an Extended Theory of Trans-Identity

## TL;DR

This paper proposes a new theory of trans-identity that includes creativity as a key part of achieving gender euphoria.

## Contribution

The paper introduces an Extended Theory of Trans-Identity that incorporates creative expression alongside traditional identity aspects.

## Key findings

- Creative expression contributes to the attainment of gender euphoria in trans individuals.
- The Extended Theory of Trans-Identity integrates physical, social, and self-construction aspects with creativity.
- Literary analysis supports the role of creativity in affirming trans identity.

## Abstract

The paper focuses on developing an Extended Theory of Trans-Identity integrating Nagoshi et al.'s trans-identity theory with the creative expression of the self to explore gender-euphoric experiences.

Having explored Austin et al.'s research on the artistic expression of trans people, the article attempts to explore the creative manifestation of identity as an important aspect of trans-identity formation, alongside Nagoshi et al.'s trans-identity theory. The synthesis of four aspects, including physical embodiment, self-construction, social construction, and the creative manifestation of the identified gender leading to the attainment of gender-euphoric factors identified by Austin et al. and Leitch et al., culminates in an Extended Theory of Trans-Identity. The theoretical framework is applied to I Am Vidya: A Transgender's Journey (2013), the autobiography of Living Smile Vidya, who is an eminent trans theatre artist and activist from Tamil Nadu, India. Furthermore, the use of a literary text to validate the Extended Theory draws on Schilling's concept of theory extrapolation from literature. The exemplifying textual analysis of the dynamic role of the four aspects of trans-identity in asserting transness and achieving gender euphoria attempts to substantiate the proposed theoretical extension.

The results indicate that identity construction through the creative aspect, in combination with the biopsychosocial aspects, contributes to the utmost attainment of gender euphoria.

Therefore, the article formulates an extended version of the trans-identity framework, emphasising the inclusion of creativity in the gender-affirmative journeys of trans people.