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Kim E, Park H, Cho Y, Jeon K, An H. Invisibility and Stigma: Experiences of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals in South Korea. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:77-90. [PMID: 37950133 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02730-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In this qualitative study, we explored the challenges that transgender and gender non-confirming (TGNC) individuals face in South Korea. For this, we conducted in-depth interviews with 14 South Korean TGNC younger adults attending colleges or graduate schools and analyzed their data through consensus qualitative research. Analyses revealed that issues related to interpersonal relationships and medical transiting were major challenges perceived by participants. Four categories emerged in the domain of challenges in interpersonal relationships, including issues associated with family, romantic partner, coming out and outing, and transphobia and cisnormativity. In addition, two categories (i.e., medical difficulties and physical appearance-related distress) were included in the domain of challenges related to medical transition. Unique sources of stress for South Korean TGNC younger adults included high risk of being outed due to Korean resident registration numbers, dissatisfaction with bodily changes when transitioning, and misgendering caused by Korean's different honorific titles depending on gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunha Kim
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea.
| | - Hyun Park
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - YeJi Cho
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - KyungAh Jeon
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
| | - Hyunju An
- Department of Psychology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcupro, Suwon, 16499, South Korea
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Scandurro AE, Celemen EJ, Hoff CC. Sex and Sexual Agreement Negotiation among Trans Women and Trans Men Partnered with Cis Men. J Sex Res 2023; 60:1159-1167. [PMID: 35412930 PMCID: PMC9554044 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2057402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Though trans individuals have some of the highest rates of HIV in the U.S., little is known about how trans couples navigate these risks within committed relationships. Thirty-nine couples, composed of one trans partner and one cis male partner, were asked about their relationship agreements, including sexual negotiations, in semi-structured, qualitative interviews. Couples reported definitions of monogamy and non-monogamy that were inconsistent with previous literature, each ranging as if on a continuum. While agreements varied, most non-monogamous couples reported a focus on safe sex practices and HIV risk mitigation, specifically highlighting negotiations around fluid exchange or fluid bonding. Changes in sexual desire arose for many couples, often due to hormonal changes during gender-affirming measures. Most couples navigated these shifts successfully, by changing their relationship agreement or sexual practices. Changing sexual behavior included addressing motivations for sex that were unrelated to one's own sexual pleasure; this motivation is called "maintenance sex." Alarmingly, nearly half of the couples interviewed reported discrepant agreements, which is associated with higher sexual risk. With an apparent ambiguity in defining agreements, it is imperative to trans communities' sexual health that relationship agreements are explicitly communicated to partners and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Scandurro
- The Center for Research and Education on Gender and Sexuality, San Francisco State University
| | - Elaika J Celemen
- The Center for Research and Education on Gender and Sexuality, San Francisco State University
| | - Colleen C Hoff
- The Center for Research and Education on Gender and Sexuality, San Francisco State University
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Lampis J, De Simone S, Lasio D, Serri F. The Role of Family Support and Dyadic Adjustment on the Psychological Well-being of Transgender Individuals: An Exploratory Study. Sex Res Social Policy 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37363352 PMCID: PMC10166461 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00817-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to measure dyadic adjustment, social support, and psychological well-being. Methods A research protocol composed of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was administered to a sample of 109 Italian transgender individuals. Results Higher levels of global psychological distress, symptom severity, and interpersonal relationship distress were associated with lower levels of family support and dyadic adjustment. In addition, transgender women and younger transgender individuals reported higher levels of interpersonal relationship distress. Conclusions The results indicate that the support and acceptance of one's partner and family of origin play a crucial role in promoting well-being. It represents an important protective factor with respect to negative psychological health outcomes. Policy Implications The findings emphasize the need to develop specific clinical and social practices for transgender individuals and their families. Building family and partner-centered policies and programs is particularly important to enable transgender individuals to avoid paying the emotional and psychological costs associated with rejection and non-acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lampis
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Via Is Mirrionis, 1, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia De Simone
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Via Is Mirrionis, 1, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Diego Lasio
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Via Is Mirrionis, 1, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Serri
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Via Is Mirrionis, 1, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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Siegel M, Randall AK, Lannutti PJ, Fischer MS, Gandhi Y, Lukas R, Meuwly N, Rosta-Filep O, van Stein K, Ditzen B, Martos T, Schneckenreiter C, Totenhagen CJ, Zemp M. Intimate Pride: a Tri-Nation Study on Associations between Positive Minority Identity Aspects and Relationship Quality in Sexual Minorities from German-Speaking Countries. Int J Appl Posit Psychol 2022; 8:1-29. [PMID: 35936990 PMCID: PMC9344453 DOI: 10.1007/s41042-022-00070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Investigations into the intimate relationships of sexual minorities are proliferating, but often adopt a deficit-oriented and US-centered perspective. In this tri-nation online study with sexual minority participants from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland (N = 571), we (i) assessed the construct validity of the German version of a well-known measure for positive minority identity aspects (the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Positive Identity Measure; LGB-PIM), and (ii) explored associations between these aspects (self-awareness, authenticity, community, capacity for intimacy, and social justice) and self-reported relationship quality. Model fit of the German version of the LGB-PIM was deemed acceptable. Higher levels of positive minority identity aspects showed small to moderate associations with higher levels of relationship quality in bivariate analyses, but only capacity for intimacy was linked to relationship quality in higher-order models (controlling for country, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship length, and psychological distress). Results remained robust in several sensitivity analyses. Our results highlight the differential role of positive identity aspects for relationship functioning, with capacity for intimacy as a fruitful leverage point for therapeutic work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Siegel
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Ashley K. Randall
- Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
| | | | - Melanie S. Fischer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital & Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yuvamathi Gandhi
- Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
| | - Raphaela Lukas
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nathalie Meuwly
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Family Research and Counseling, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Katharina van Stein
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital & Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital & Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tamás Martos
- Department of Personality, Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Casey J. Totenhagen
- Human Development and Family Studies, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA AL
| | - Martina Zemp
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Aldridge Z, Thorne N, Marshall E, English C, Yip AKT, Nixon E, Witcomb GL, Bouman WP, Arcelus J. Understanding factors that affect wellbeing in trans people "later" in transition: a qualitative study. Qual Life Res 2022. [PMID: 35412264 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Although cross-sectional studies have demonstrated that trans people present with lower quality of life and wellbeing than the general population, few studies have explored the factors associated with this, particularly in those who have medically transitioned some time ago. This paper aims to fill the gap in the literature on what factors are associated with wellbeing in trans people who initiated medical transition some time ago. Methods This study used semi-structured one-to-one interviews with 23 participants to investigate the factors that impact upon the wellbeing of trans people who had initiated Gender Affirming Medical Treatment five or more years ago. The content of the interviews were analysed with an inductive, grounded theory approach to identify common themes within them. Results The four themes identified include some consistencies with cisgender populations (while being viewed through the lens of trans experience), as well as those more specific to the trans experience. Together these themes were: Interactions with healthcare services; Seeking societal acceptance; Quality of social support; The ‘double-edged sword’ of media and social media. Each of the themes identifies a factor that participants highlighted as impacting, either positively or negatively, on their wellbeing. Conclusions The results highlight the importance of social support, protective legislations, awareness of trans issues in the general public, and the need of improving the knowledge held by non-specialist healthcare providers.
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Holt M, Broady T, Callander D, Pony M, Duck-Chong L, Cook T, Rosenberg S. Sexual experience, relationships, and factors associated with sexual and romantic satisfaction in the first Australian Trans & Gender Diverse Sexual Health Survey. Int J Transgend Health 2022; 24:38-48. [PMID: 36713145 PMCID: PMC9879190 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2021.2016540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sexual and romantic satisfaction are important aspects of sexual health and wellbeing, but they have not been thoroughly investigated among transgender and gender diverse ('trans') people in Australia. Aims: To address this gap and improve sexual health and wellbeing, we assessed the sexual behavior and relationships of a national sample of trans people in Australia, and factors associated with sexual and romantic satisfaction. Methods: We conducted a national survey of trans people from Australia in October-November 2018. Results: The sample included 1,613 trans participants, of whom 353 (21.9%) were men, 397 (24.6%) were women and 863 (53.5%) were non-binary. Over 70% of the sample had been sexually active in the previous year, and 56.9% were in a relationship, but only 32.4% were satisfied with the sexual aspects and 47.1% with the romantic aspects of their lives. Sexual satisfaction was associated with younger age, being asexual, having more trans friends, more frequent sex, and using illicit drugs in the context of sexual activity. Anxiety or fear about sex was associated with less sexual satisfaction, as was being in an open relationship. Romantic satisfaction was associated with younger age, having non-binary partners, and being in a current relationship (particularly a monogamous one). Recent distress, anxiety, or fear about sex were associated with less romantic satisfaction. Conclusion: Participants reported a broad range of sexual relationships, but low levels of satisfaction with the sexual and romantic aspects of their lives. The findings underscore the importance of supportive partners, access to social support and peer networks of trans people, as well as access to mental health support and sex-positive, trans affirming counseling in sexual health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Denton Callander
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mish Pony
- Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Teddy Cook
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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