Between ally, partner & parent: Role ambiguity and role conflict among partners of trans individuals

The social and family environment in which a gender transition takes place has often been overlooked both in trans studies and in family studies. Regarding relationships, the existing research observed that coming out as trans... [ view full abstract ]

The social and family environment in which a gender transition takes place has often been overlooked both in trans studies and in family studies. Regarding relationships, the existing research observed that coming out as trans often results in relationship dissolution, but also identified couples that stay together. Partners are likely to experience different emotions such as stress, grief, and fear and are sometimes found to struggle with their own sexual orientation and gender identity.

In the context of the increased visibility of the trans population in Flanders in recent years, the current article aims to address the knowledge gap concerning partners of trans individuals by considering their experiences... [ view full abstract ]

In the context of the increased visibility of the trans population in Flanders in recent years, the current article aims to address the knowledge gap concerning partners of trans individuals by considering their experiences during the gender transition. We did this by approaching this topic trough role theory and its concept of role ambiguity and role conflict and its application within the tradition of Symbolic Interactionism. In this way, we aim to deepen knowledge on trans partnerships within a broader family sociology context.

Open, in-depth interviews were conducted using a topic list drawn up on the basis of a literature review. In total, 17 partners have been interviewed, all living in Flanders, Belgium. One respondent identified as male, all... [ view full abstract ]

Open, in-depth interviews were conducted using a topic list drawn up on the basis of a literature review. In total, 17 partners have been interviewed, all living in Flanders, Belgium. One respondent identified as male, all the others as female. Of the trans partners, two identified as male, all the others as female. Hence, 16 couples could be identified as heterosexual before the transition and 16 couples as lesbian/homosexual at the moment of interviewing. 11 respondents were still in a romantic relationship with their trans partner and six couples had ended their relationship.

First, we distinguished the different roles that partners play during the transition, and examined how these different roles might come under pressure through the gender transition process of their partner. Second, we... [ view full abstract ]

First, we distinguished the different roles that partners play during the transition, and examined how these different roles might come under pressure through the gender transition process of their partner. Second, we analyzed how these different social roles could lead to internal role conflict. Finally, based on these roles and their interplay, we constructed three different ideal types of adaptation processes experienced by partners.

We distinguished three different roles of partners during the transition of their partner: the parental role, the ally role and the romantic partner role. We found that ambiguity was most apparent for the romantic partner... [ view full abstract ]

We distinguished three different roles of partners during the transition of their partner: the parental role, the ally role and the romantic partner role. We found that ambiguity was most apparent for the romantic partner role, and to a lesser extent for the ally and co-parental roles. Furthermore, we also observed that the expectations which accompany these different roles often contradict each other, especially during gender transition. Hence, role conflict could occur. In the end this dynamic between roles might influence the acceptance and adaptation process of the partner and steer certain relationship outcomes.
With the findings we constructed three different ideal typical adaptation processes of partners when their partner discloses his or her transgender feelings: Intimate joint, rational separation, and emotional dissolution. The three ideal typical processes were distinguished from each other on the basis which roles are more dominant and which roles become less dominant.

The article presented here aimed to go beyond earlier findings of partners of trans individuals, which were often rather descriptive. In this way we have deepend the knowledge on trans partnerships within a broader family... [ view full abstract ]

The article presented here aimed to go beyond earlier findings of partners of trans individuals, which were often rather descriptive. In this way we have deepend the knowledge on trans partnerships within a broader family sociology context.
However, the current study has some limitation which should be acknowledged. The trans population is relatively small and hidden group in society. Sampling partners or former partners of trans individuals comes along with some challenges. Our sample existed mainly out of partner of trans woman. Generalisations toward the whole population of partners in trans relationship should be made with caution.