The Disclosure Experiences of Male-to-Female Transgender Individuals: A Systems Theory Perspective

Abstract

Transgender individuals experience their gender identity, their sense of being male, female, or other, as different from their biological sex. Disclosing as transgendered is an emergence that is an internal psychological process but also intimately involves family, friends, and all social relationships. In this study, the authors explored the disclosure experiences of transgender individuals with focus on the changes that occurred in their relationships. Participants discussed the impact of their disclosure on various relationships including spouses, family, friends, as well as greater systems including the medical and mental health field and other community agencies.

KEYWORDS:

• transgender
• disclosure
• systems theory
• family gender transition
• transsexual

Notes

1. All proper names have been replaced by pseudonyms.

2. The pronouns used reflect the preferred gender identity as indicated by the participant.