Families and children with a trans* parent - a multiperspective qualitative approach

Although the phenomenon of gender and bodily diversity is widely studied in medical, psychological and social areas, the family of Trans*people receives much less scientific attention. It has been well established that the... [ view full abstract ]

Although the phenomenon of gender and bodily diversity is widely studied in medical, psychological and social areas, the family of Trans*people receives much less scientific attention.
It has been well established that the parental transition has no impact on children's sexual identity or development. However, research on the realities of those families beyond their sexuality is lacking. According to literature, Children may report a sense of loss, sadness or shame while attempting to integrate the parental transition with their own identity and sense of family roles while making sense of the changes within the family. In a qualitative online study in 2014, children's main stressors were bullying at school, a different view on their parents as well as the question of using the applicable pronoun when addressing the parent.

Previous research into trans*-families is sparse and mainly focussed on the english-speaking parts of the world.By identifying key topics and experiences of the entire family, we aim to contribute to a better understanding of... [ view full abstract ]

Previous research into trans*-families is sparse and mainly focussed on the english-speaking parts of the world.
By identifying key topics and experiences of the entire family, we aim to contribute to a better understanding of families with a trans*parent in the german-speaking world as well as allow further research in identifying useful support systems.

As part of a wider study effort on trans* - families, 5 expert interviews with experienced gender therapists in the german-speaking world were conducted, as well as 10 semi-structured interviews using prepared interview... [ view full abstract ]

As part of a wider study effort on trans* - families, 5 expert interviews with experienced gender therapists in the german-speaking world were conducted, as well as 10 semi-structured interviews using prepared interview guidelines based on phases of the transition described by Güldenring 2010.
Interviews were conducted with family members of 3 families, consisting of 2 group interviews as well as 4 interviews with children, 2 with gender dysphoric individuals, and 2 with their spouses.
The interviews were conducted by two medical students, one of which has a gender dysphoric background himself. This personal experience was disclosed to the interviewees and minded in the planning and conduction of interviews.

After transcription and cross-checking, qualitative analysis is being conducted with MaxQDA in an iterative approach based on qualitative content analysis methods described by Mayring et al. (2010). The material was then coded... [ view full abstract ]

After transcription and cross-checking, qualitative analysis is being conducted with MaxQDA in an iterative approach based on qualitative content analysis methods described by Mayring et al. (2010).
The material was then coded by two researchers in an iterative approach, identifying core concepts and information while applying a dynamic hierarchical system of codes. Afterwards, the entire material was recoded using the developed code system. Some of the material was coded in an overlapping way by both researchers in order to evaluate Inter-Rater reliability.
The code system was then used as a base for a first step of conceptualization and summarization of key aspects after thoroughly re-reading the material.

As the analysis is still in progress, results might extend and shift. The transition seems to set a process in motion within families that strongly relies on resources and conditions within the family as well as the external... [ view full abstract ]

As the analysis is still in progress, results might extend and shift.
The transition seems to set a process in motion within families that strongly relies on resources and conditions within the family as well as the external resources available.
Especially the phenomenon of Cross-Dressing seems to be perceived as a prominent part of the transition by family members and is being expressed and lived very differently within the different constellations.
Another important family topic is the chosen name and pronoun for the gender dysphoric parent. This also influences fulfillment of classical gender-roles, together with the challenge of redefining classical father roles.
In public contexts such as school, children sometimes struggle with being made different and standing out involuntarily, causing a public approximation of the phenomenon of gender dysphoria, as well as deeper questions of identity and solidarity.
During that process, LGBT* support offers seem to be helpful where available. However, their availability is regionally different and sparse.

The parental transition has to be characterized as a process for the entire family. Many gender dysphoric individuals consider the transition as an essential step in living a self-determined and congruent life. This also... [ view full abstract ]

The parental transition has to be characterized as a process for the entire family.
Many gender dysphoric individuals consider the transition as an essential step in living a self-determined and congruent life. This also applies to family life.
During this process, the questions of "Coming Out" challange both the gender dysphoric individual as well as their families and children, putting the family in a unique role.