The Challenge of Living in a Body One Doesn't Identify With: Accounts From Transgender Individuals.

INTRODUCTION

Transgender individuals may face familial and social hostility, leading to distress that significantly affects their well-being. This study aims to understand life course challenges experienced by transgender people since childhood.

METHOD: Cross-sectional study, including 20 transgender people. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was used to assess mood (anxiety and depression). An interview was conducted to collect data on the participants' experiences in childhood, adolescence, and adult life in relation to their feelings about their gender identity. Qualitative analysis was performed by analyzing the content of participants' responses to the interview script using Bardin´s method.

RESULTS

Responses were linked to bodily changes, and highlighted the profound significance of these transformative procedures in shaping respondents' aspirations for their careers, families, and/or romantic relationships.

DISCUSSION: The findings show negative consequences of social intolerance for gender non-normativity. Particular attention in transgender health care should be devoted to childhood and adolescence.