The female-to-male transsexual and his female partner versus the traditional couple: a comparison

"He Helped Me in Discovering Myself." Rethinking and Exploring Sexual and Gender Identity in Trans-Inclusive Relationships

This qualitative study explores the effects of being in a relationship with a transgender or non-binary (TGNB) person on an individual's sexual and/or gender identity. To this aim, the responses of 107 partners of TGNB individuals to the following open-ended question were collected: "What effect, if any, has having a relationship with a transgender person had on your gender and/or sexual identity?." Through thematic analysis, 4 overarching themes emerged from the participants' responses: 1) No reason to change; 2) Exploration and changes; 3) New perspective; and 4) Negative effects and confusion. Overall, this study suggests that being in a relationship with a TGNB person may prompt a reflection on the concept of sexual and gender identity, and an exploration of one's own identity, which is usually experienced as positive, but may also be a source of distress for the individual and/or the couple. Also, in many other cases, the relationship has been observed to have no effect on the partner's identity, due to a number of reasons. These findings constitute a relevant addition to the understanding of couple's dynamics in trans-including couples.

Explicit and Implicit Gender-Related Stereotyping in Transgender, Gender Expansive, and Cisgender Adults

Little is known about gender-related stereotyping among transgender and gender expansive adults. Using the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (AIS; Glick & Fiske, 1996), we examined explicit gender attitudes in 3298 cisgender, transgender, and gender expansive respondents designated female at birth (FAB; n = 1976 cisgender, n = 108 transgender, n = 188 gender expansive) and male at birth (MAB; n = 922 cisgender, n = 52 transgender, n = 52 gender expansive). In order to learn more about implicit gender-related stereotyping, a subset of 822 participants (FAB; n = 445 cisgender, n = 32 transgender, n = 51 gender expansive. MAB; n = 254 cisgender, n = 21 transgender, n = 19 gender expansive) completed the gender-leadership Implicit Association Test (IAT; Dasgupta & Asgari, 2004). Cisgender men scored significantly higher than all other groups on hostile sexism, but patterns of endorsement for benevolent sexism and implicit attitudes were more nuanced, with cisgender women and gender expansive FAB often scoring significantly below other groups. We observed that transgender men and transgender women, along with cisgender men and gender expansive MAB, moderately endorsed essentialist views regarding differences between men and women (i.e., complementary gender differentiation). These data reveal novel patterns of gender-related stereotyping, with some corresponding to sex designated at birth and others corresponding to current gender identification. Together, these findings suggest that one's experienced gender, designated sex at birth, and the intersection between them may relate to gender stereotyping, underscoring the importance of including transgender and gender expansive individuals in this research.

The quality and satisfaction of romantic relationships in transgender people: A systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Romantic relationships are often a significant area of individuals' lives and can have a positive impact on wellbeing. There is often a belief within society of romantic relationships ending upon the start of gender affirming transition, however this is often not reflected within clinical work or research studies. Despite this, currently not enough is known about romantic relationships for transgender individuals and their partners, and the impact gender affirming transition can have on the quality and satisfaction of these relationships.

AIM

To critically and systematically review the available literature examining quality and satisfaction of romantic relationships for transgender individuals and their partners.

METHODS

Using PRISMA guidelines, major databases (Pubmed, PsycINFO and Web of Science) and relevant reference lists were searched for suitable articles up to January 2020. Each included article was assessed for methodological quality and the demographic data, methods and findings linked to relationship quality and satisfaction was extracted for analysis.

RESULTS

From 151 potentially relevant articles, 14 studies (six quantitative, eight qualitative) were included within the review. Most studies displayed moderate risk of bias due to cross-sectional designs and lack of reflexivity. Findings from quantitative studies suggest a bi-directional relationship between transition, relationship quality and satisfaction and wellbeing. Qualitative studies suggest transition can cause personal challenges for both transgender individuals and partners. Maintenance activities help buffer the impact of these challenges on relationship satisfaction and ensure positives are possible from relationships.

DISCUSSION

Gender affirming transition can impact on the quality and satisfaction of romantic relationships. Due to additional challenges transgender individuals and their partners may face, adequate support is required at personal, community and clinical level. There is a paucity of research in this area and current studies lack methodological rigor. Future research is essential to gain a further understanding of transgender relationships and the support required.

Experiência Conjugal de Casal Cis-trans: Contribuições ao Estudo da Transconjugalidade

Resumo Na contemporaneidade, estudos voltados à temática da transexualidade têm ganhado progressivo destaque na agenda dos pesquisadores de diferentes áreas, como Psicologia, Medicina, Direito e Ciências Sociais. No entanto, ainda é esparsa a literatura dedicada a investigar a vivência afetiva e relacionamentos conjugais em pessoas trans. Esta lacuna é expressão da condição discriminatória e da abjeção a que as subjetividades trans estão submetidas. Considerando essa insuficiência, este estudo buscou desvelar os sentidos atribuídos à conjugalidade por um casal cis-trans. O método empregado foi o Estudo de Caso Único, elaborado com base em entrevista narrativa episódica. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados adotando-se a perspectiva Queer como enquadramento teórico. A análise aponta que a relação conjugal entre pessoas trans e cisgênero é marcada pelo encontro de duas histórias de vida distintas no que diz respeito à aceitação social e passabilidade, mas que em algum momento se interseccionam por meio da formação de laço afetivo. Relacionar-se fora das normas culturalmente atribuídas aos gêneros e sexualidades envolve uma série de riscos e barreiras, uma vez que a vida e o corpo do indivíduo se tornam alvos de exclusão, violação de direitos e tentativas de eliminação pelos efeitos da necropolítica. Ao mesmo tempo, amar para além das normas também pode implicar em um processo libertário ampliado, uma vez que algumas das amarras da cultura heteronormativa se afrouxam. Quando existe apoio familiar e de amigos, o relacionamento tende a munir-se de recursos que favorecem o empoderamento e enfrentamento de situações adversas e potencialmente ameaçadoras, que poderiam resultar na dissolução da união.

Transgenderism and reproduction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The development of new reproductive medicine techniques creates opportunities for preserving fertility in transgender persons. Before, losing fertility was accepted as the price to pay for transitioning.

RECENT FINDINGS

The desire for children is present in many trans persons, as in the general population. Ethical concerns are sometimes raised against the preservation of fertility; however, the only unique aspect of this group is the gender transition of one of the parents. All other elements such as same sex parenthood, use of donor gametes, social stigma, etc., can be found in other groups of parents. Not all reproductive options for all trans persons are equal because not only the gametes are of importance, but also the sex of the (future) partner. In trans women, the best option to preserve gametes is cryopreservation of sperm by preference initiated before starting hormonal therapy. In trans men, donor sperm is most often used, but in theory, there are three options available to preserve fertility: oocyte banking, embryo banking and banking of ovarian tissue.

SUMMARY

Fertility is possible for both trans men and women, but it requires timely cryopreservation of gametes or stopping cross-sex hormones and possible fertility treatments which are costly and may be unpleasant. Centers should elucidate their policy and inform trans persons on the possibilities and limitations.