The use of photo-voice with older transgender people with psycho-social challenges in the Cape Metropolis, South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa, older transgender people experience severe psycho-social issues due to racism, transphobia, the break-down of the health system and economic disparities. Photo-voice was utilized in a qualitative study with older transgender people (n = 5) and key informants (n = 5) in Cape Town. The aim was to explore photographs of their experiences as they grew up during and after Apartheid. The findings indicate experiences of minority stress and anxiety together with financial concerns when accessing health-care services as they anticipate transphobia and discrimination. The article will offer recommendations to social workers on how to affirm older trans clients when doing interventions.

Keywords:

• Cape Town
• mental health
• older
• photo voice
• transgender

Acknowledgements

The first author received funding from the National Research Foundation in South Africa. Gender DynamiX contributed substantially to this research project through gender affirming training and accessing transgender participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).