Invisible voice in transition : bargaining with binary

Abstract

Research shows that transsexual individuals undergoing medical transition, in particular Sex Confirmation Surgery and hormone therapy, endure an intricate, overwhelming and alienating experience filled with intense conflicting feelings. Qualitative analysis was deemed most appropriate in order to fully comprehend the subjects' experiences and by using both purposeful and snowball sampling, four professionals who are in direct contact with trans individuals were interviewed. The findings look at how these key informants experience, interpret and perceive their clients' journeys as they go against the expectations of a binary gender system. This study found that isolation, lack of support from loved ones and difficulty in keeping gainful employment are amongst the main socioeconomic and psychological challenges faced by this minority cohort in their quest to align their internal gender identity with their outer body. Lev's (2004) stages of transgender emergence were used as a framework for the analytical and exposition process. Thematic data analysis of the interview transcripts was carried out; from which one overarching theme emerged, being: Gender as a Social Construct. The respondents' statements describe their clients' journey. The researcher makes use of nautical metaphors to illustrate the different challenges encountered from the moment of realisation (embarkation) to the moment they arrive to the Promised Land. Yet, while for them the journey can be seen as an evolutionary metamorphosis, trans individuals struggle in their quest to (re)create a congruency between inner self and outer body. Sadly, arriving at destination, they may find that this dualistic world built around stereotypical expectations is not as accepting as they hoped it would be. A number of recommendations for further research are put forward.