A Qualitative Exploration of Transgender Identity Affirmation at the Personal, Interpersonal, and Sociocultural Levels

ABSTRACT

The present study qualitatively explores affirmation and support for transgender people living in Ireland on the personal, interpersonal, and sociocultural levels. Seven participants engaged in one-on-one semistructured interviews. Following thematic analysis, a number of supportive and nonsupportive factors emerged regarding personal identity and experiences, interactions with others, and the sociocultural backdrop in which these exist. The main themes reflect a common narrative in which the participant is currently happy or content, though after a period of very challenging experiences largely attached to their often socially stigmatized identity. Results are reflected on in relation to previous research, and clinical and educational applications are discussed with suggestions for future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Affirmation
• Ireland
• qualitative
• support
• trans
• transgender
• transsexual

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank the Transgender Equality Network of Ireland (TENI) for its assistance in this research. The authors would also like to thank the participants of this study for sharing their time and experiences.

Notes

1. One participant asked that one of his/her quotes not be used in any future publication.

2. Such distress may also be referred to as the psychiatric term “gender dysphoria.”