Loading...
Publication
“I feel like I’m living the authenticity of my being”: Gender identity developmental trajectories of trans youth in Portugal
| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 MB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Background: Research into the identity development of trans people has been emerging, but
there is still a need for further study. While significant processes for identity construction take
place during late adolescence and early adulthood, it is important to understand which
milestones are associated with the trajectories of gender identity (GI) development.
Aims: The present study aimed at exploring the gender identity (GI) developmental trajectories
of young Portuguese trans people and the processes associated with them.
Methods: Interviews were conducted with sixteen young people aged between 16 and 26,
recruited through LGBTI+formal associations and informal online groups, as well as through
psychology and sexology consultations. The interviews were conducted face-to-face and
online and were analyzed through thematic analysis, which aims to identify, analyze and
report patterns in a qualitative data series.
Results: Six themes were identified and linked to developmental milestones. These were
related to: (1) Discomfort in relation to the gender assigned at birth and its social roles; (2)
Body discomfort; (3) Discovery of trans identities; (4) Disclosure of GI; (5) Perceived support;
(6) Authentic living of GI. Linked to these themes, four sub-themes were identified as well.
Discussion: Based on the life course theory, moments of transition and turning points were
identified, as well as social influences such as historical time and place. Thereby, this study
contributed to a better understanding of trans youth’s GI developmental trajectories in the
Portuguese context, where the study on this topic is still emergent, also contributing to
inform the path to be taken at the international level regarding socio-legal policies concerning
trans youth.
Description
Keywords
Developmental trajectory Life course theory Qualitative study Trans youth
Citation
Conceição, M., Moura, J., & Costa, P. A. (2023). “I feel like I’m living the authenticity of my being”: gender identity developmental trajectories of trans youth in Portugal. International Journal of Transgender Health, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2023.2299022
Publisher
Routledge