Part of me already knew’

The experiences of partners of people going through a gender transition process

Bibliographic Data

ID15099566
AuthorsKrystle Chester (Massey University), K M To Chester (Massey University, corresponding author), Antonia Lyons (0000-0003-4254-3268, Massey University), Veronica Hopner (0000-0003-0876-6329, Massey University)
Year2017
Volume19
Issue12
Pages1404-1417
Publication date2017-12-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2017.1317109
PMID28463049
OpenAlexW2611657188
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited17

Research has shown that the gender transition of one partner in a relationship can have a significant impact on the non-transitioning partner. This paper explores the experiences of former and current cisgender partners of people making a gender transition. Six participants were recruited via snowball sampling and took part in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes were identified, namely: (1) the shared and ongoing process of learning about a partner's transgender identity; (2) changes in relationships; and (3) impact on self and identity. Findings highlight the constructed nature of gender and sexual identities, and the fluidity with which partners experienced these aspects of their lives. Future research could usefully explore the support needs of partners of transitioning people and the best ways to access and distribute this support

Gender identity · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Lesbian · Qualitative research · Snowball sampling · Sociology · Superordinate goals · Transgender · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Medicine · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub