Two Siblings Concordant for Male-to-Female Transsexualism: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

This report presents two male-to-female transsexuals from a family that comprises, in addition, seven nontranssexual and nonhomosexual older siblings. Information was gathered mainly through in-depth interviews and hospital records. Similarities and differences between the two cases are explored within the family context, and some emergent mechanisms for transsexualism are outlined. The reported cases fit the hypothesis that prenatal conditions, such as alteration of parental biology, give rise to transsexualism. But the sense of “belonging to the other sex” may develop only late in life with a pressing need for normalcy. Even though “feminine treatment” of boys may not directly lead to transsexualism, special care for (some) children may play a role if it is unusual/unexpected. Future studies would benefit from extending examinations performed on transsexuals to their families.

KEYWORDS:

• Transsexualism
• gender identity
• family
• case study

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author would like to thank Joana Parada Lima and Sara Rocha for their assistance, as well as the participants in this study.