Intimate relationship strengths and challenges amongst a sample of transgender people living in the United States

Abstract

Many transgender people enjoy positive intimate relationships, however such relationships exist within a context of broader discrimination, specifically cisgenderism. The present study sought to investigate the relationships between demographic variables, significant other support, relationship satisfaction, resiliency, past relationship experiences and future relationship expectations, and gender-related discrimination amongst a convenience sample of transgender people living in the United States. 345 participants completed an online questionnaire designed by the authors assessing psychological distress, relationships with partners, and partner support. Findings suggest that participants had some difficulties in negotiating past relationships, though remained hopeful about future relationships. This was especially true for those who lived with animal companions and who reported higher levels of resiliency. Participants currently in relationships reported relatively high levels of significant other support (and this was especially true for participants in relationships with other transgender people), and such support was related to lower levels of psychological distress, though this was less true for older and/or agender participants. Participants were on average satisfied with their current relationships, though this was particularly true for participants with higher incomes. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of the findings for clinicians who work with transgender people and their partners.

Keywords:

• Intimate relationships
• transgender people
• animal companions
• relationship satisfaction
• discrimination
• psychological distress

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kimberly A. Fuller

Kimberly A. Fuller (PhD) is an assistant professor in social work at Cleveland State University. She is also a certified sex therapist specializing in LGBTQ + youth and young adult identity development.

Damien W. Riggs

Damien W. Riggs (PhD) is an associate professor in social work at Flinders University and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow. He is also a Lacanian psychotherapist in private practice.