Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

School of Social Work

Advisor/Mentor

LaShawnda N. Fields

Committee Member

Christiane C. Long

Second Committee Member

Mark Plassmeyer

Keywords

Basic Needs; Black; LGBTQ+; Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs; Transgender

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the current needs of the Black Transgender community in Northwest and Central Arkansas. The participants of this study were asked 40 questions based on each tier of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The participants of the study were three Transgender men, two Transgender women, and three non-binary individuals. Eight semi-structured interviews were completed utilizing narrative theory to expound on the personal experiences and duality of being Black and Transgender through a personal lens. The findings of this study were categorized into eight themes, which were basic needs, safety, love and belonging, esteem, self-realization, essence of being Transgender, lack of support from the Black and LGBTQ+ community, and the existence of privilege. The overall findings of this study suggest Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is vastly different from the needs expressed by these members of the Black Transgender community. In consideration of these findings, social workers, organizations, clinicians, and legislators should work together to increase awareness of this community and their hierarchy of needs while actively advocating for systematic change honors the unique experiences of being both Black and Transgender.

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