A retrospective qualitative analysis of Christianity and its influence on gender identity development among transgender adults who were assigned female at birth

Abstract

Purpose

While many studies have addressed the intersection between sexual orientation and religious/spiritual identity development, few studies have explicitly explored the interaction between transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) identities and religious/spiritual identity development. As such, the role of religion in TGGD identity development is not well understood, particularly as to how experiences in childhood may shape current identities.

Materials and methods

The authors analyzed a series of semi-structured interviews with seven TGGD individuals. The participants were all assigned female at birth (AFAB) andhad been raised in the Christian faith. Interview questions focused on participants’ experiences with gender and religious identity development during childhood and adolescence.

Results

Four major themes emerged among participants: invisibility within faith communities, rejection, conflict/ambivalence about gender and religion, and intellectual curiosity (e.g., questioning religious doctrine).

Conclusion

Implications for identity development, clinical intervention, and faith community outreach are discussed regarding TGGD people who were AFAB.

Keywords:

• Identity development
• childhood
• adolescence
• children

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.