The Rewards of Collective Participation: Connectedness, Validation, and Empowerment at Trans Pride Events

Abstract

The rewards of collective participation have been detailed in previous research on mass events. Empirical findings have shown that shared social identity between attendees can promote positive emotions and outcomes. However, there are gaps in the literature regarding LGBTQ+ participants. To date, no study has explored collective participation at trans pride events. As a marginalised and under-researched community, trans perspectives can provide new insight into mass events and social identity. This study aims to understand the factors that influence collective experiences at trans pride. Retrospective interviews were carried out with 8 trans individuals about their experiences at various large-scale trans pride events from 2016-2020. Thematic analysis was utilised to understand the participants’ experiences in depth. Overall, the participants recalled positive experiences which culminated in three main themes: connectedness, validation, and empowerment. Participants felt connected to their peers while at trans pride and noted perceptions of shared understanding and common social norms, which contributed to their positive experiences. A feeling of validation was also present, with participants feeling that their identities, needs, and values were accepted within the community at trans pride. Lastly, the participants felt empowered as individuals and as a collective, able to make change for both themselves and their community. A perception of safety within the event influenced participants ability to express themselves. The results of this study are congruent with the social identity approach, providing further evidence of the impact of shared social identity on collective participation. Implications and pathways for future study are also discussed.