Transrelated – relatives of transgender individuals tell their story

Gender dysphoria is the experience of significant discomfort due to incongruence between the experienced gender identity and the appearance of the body. A significant increase in the prevalence of gender dysphoria has been is described recently, especially among young people. Individuals with gender dysphoria can experience exclusion and stigmatization that can maintain mental health problems and prevent the individuals own development, socialization and integration in society. There is limited knowledge about family relationships for people with gender dysphoria, although these relationships are important in supporting and facilitating integration after sex-confirmatory treatment.

The aim of this project is to explore how relatives experience living with an individual undergoing clinical evaluation for gender dysphoria. We will also explore the relatives’ experiences of how society and the health care system treats them and the person with gender dysphoria, as well as the possible impact of the gender dysphoria evaluation process on the family relationships.

This study is part of a larger, multicenter project (Svenska Könsdysforistudien, SKDS), started in 2016. All patients who have consented to take part in the study will be approached with a question on whether a close relative or friend could be contacted. The individual seeking care for gender dysphoria evaluation will him/herself provide contact information to the relative. The relative will then be approached separately, be given information about the study and give separate consent, if willing. After consent is given, the relatives will be interviewed, either via telephone or personal meeting. They will also be asked to participate in a second interview, later in the process of their relative’s transition. All interviews will be analyzed using thematic analysis.

Principal investigator: Sara Sylvén