Experiences of parents who have transgender children (minor and adult) in Croatia- The qualitative study

This research is a pilot study of experiences of parents of transgender children (minors and adults). Parents, as a primary caregivers, are often the first one to notice signs of gender nonconformity in their children and... [ view full abstract ]

This research is a pilot study of experiences of parents of transgender children (minors and adults). Parents, as a primary caregivers, are often the first one to notice signs of gender nonconformity in their children and therefore their parental support is of utmost importance. This study is the first one conducted in Croatia regarding experiences of parents of transgender persons. Because of stigma related to transgender persons, many transgender persons experience rejection in their families. Although most enactments of stigma target sexual and gender minority individuals, some are directed at the friends and family members of sexual minorities, and at “allies,” that is, heterosexuals who take a public stand against sexual stigma. Such individuals experience stigma by association –a courtesy stigma – because of their connections with sexual and gender minorities.
Experiences in nuclear family have crucial impact on their psychological development and adult life and therefore are significant to explore.

Aim of this study was to broaden our knowledge about attitudes, experiences and emotions parents of transgender persons encounter during dealing with issue of coming out and transition process of their children. Aim of this... [ view full abstract ]

Aim of this study was to broaden our knowledge about attitudes, experiences and emotions parents of transgender persons encounter during dealing with issue of coming out and transition process of their children. Aim of this research was to conduct qualitative analysis of parents' experience form the period period their child revealed his/her transgender feelings, though their process of transition and quality of family support. These experiences are key factor in creating families as a safe environments for transgender children.

This research was conducted as structured interview. Participants were parents of transgender persons involved in process of gender transition within Croatian mental health system (University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče) who... [ view full abstract ]

This research was conducted as structured interview. Participants were parents of transgender persons involved in process of gender transition within Croatian mental health system (University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče) who are engaged in individual and group support within TransParetn Croatia NGO. They were informed about the nature of the study and after their informed consent asked to participate in interview. Using qualitative research methods we examined experiences of 20 parents of transgender persons.

What concerns most is that majority of parents expressed that they have hard time dealing with feelings of guilt because of their child transgenderism, thus they attributed the cause of transgenderism of their children to... [ view full abstract ]

What concerns most is that majority of parents expressed that they have hard time dealing with feelings of guilt because of their child transgenderism, thus they attributed the cause of transgenderism of their children to themselves, and thus blame themselves for it. Results showed deep parental concerns about primary existential needs of their children and families.

The data collected form interview showed that most parents felt fear, concern and disturbance when they found out that their child is transgender. Results show that parents knew little or nothing about transgender persons in... [ view full abstract ]

The data collected form interview showed that most parents felt fear, concern and disturbance when they found out that their child is transgender. Results show that parents knew little or nothing about transgender persons in the moment their child revealed to them his or hers transgender identity. Content analysis of qualitative data revealed that parents collected information about transgender persons, transsexuality and gender dysphoria mostly on the internet, but their opinion is that internet is not most reliable source of the information regarding this topic. Majority of parents stated that they were afraid that their transgender child will be physically, emotionally and sexually abused or wouldn't be able to find and keep friends. Parents expressed their fear about discrimination, society and family stigma during the process of transition of their transgender child. They were also concerned about rejection from family, friends and neighborhoods as well as concerns about losing their job.

Negative social messages about a core part of the self, such as gender identity always tend toward a subjective feeling of „not-okeyness” in LGBT minority persons, especially early in life, when young persons are still... [ view full abstract ]

Negative social messages about a core part of the self, such as gender identity always tend toward a subjective feeling of „not-okeyness” in LGBT minority persons, especially early in life, when young persons are still defining themselves very largely in terms of the social field resulting in feelings of shame. There is need for establishing continuous support and educational group for parents with transgender children. Parents of transgender children desperately need to have witnessed and validated their experience, their decisions concerning the best care of their children, but also the identity of their children and to acknowledge this from the stance of ethical and educated expert in the field of mental health. This validation is surely a major aspect of the therapeutic experience of support for most clients who are socially stigmatized. Healthy developement of trans identities and their integration is one obvious prerequisite for healthy psychosexual and psychological development. There is a tendency that this development is taken for granted from the side of heterosexual individuals. The task of developing an integrated and positive sexual orientation and gender identity is a challenging one for many LGBT persons and their families given the present social and cultural background.