Phenomenology of Family Support in Gender Dysphoria

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the phenomenology of family support in the experiences of transsexual individuals and to address gaps in understanding minority experiences in Iran. Methods: This qualitative study involved a statistical population of 15 individuals with gender dysphoria, nominated by the Tehran Institute of Psychiatry. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants of varying ages to achieve data saturation. Interviews were conducted, and the text was analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method. The research questions focused on significant life events and turning points, particularly the stage of gender reassignment surgery. Results: The categories extracted include: "Conditions that influence one's experience of being transsexual", "transsexuals influence on aspects of one's life", "one's experiences of transsexual phenomena", "one's reaction to perceiving one's transsexual", "a person's family reaction when they found out their child is transsexual", "a person's family's reaction to his or her gender change surgery", "family behavior and reaction after surgery", "a person's reaction to family behavior after surgery", and "one's action on surgery and the impact of that action on his or her family's attitudes". Conclusions: These extracted categories provide a framework to evaluate the future turning points in the lives of transsexual individuals, specifically focusing on gender reassignment surgery.