Satisfaction and well-being in the life trajectories of male-to-female transsexual people

Abstract

This study seeks to understand the elements in the everyday life of male-to-female transsexual persons that contribute to their satisfaction and well-being. The Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sexual Characteristics Act enacted in the Laws of Malta enabled better well-being in the life satisfaction of transsexual people living freely, in their self-determined gender, without feeling concerned that they are not protected by law. Among other things, the law satisfied the basic need of having a name which is congruent with their physical appearance thus eliminating the embarrassment of carrying a male name. In this dissertation, four main areas are examined which are considered influential to general well-being: their overall life in general, education, health and law. The data was obtained through three interviews with two post-operated and one pre-operated transsexuals which were held during August 2016. The participants were recruited through snowballing. The focus of this research aims to address satisfaction and well-being of transsexual male-to-female persons through the abovementioned themes. The findings were analysed through a feminist perspective, using a qualitative method, and show that the informants agree that Malta is now progressive as regards legal protection for them but lacks specialized people in all professional services who can truly understand the needs of Maltese transsexual persons. They all confirmed that the professionals in the education system lack proper training. Even worse, the post-operated transsexuals were totally dissatisfied with the lack of professional service in the local health care system for their before and aftercare. They also expressed their concern that living a transsexual life is a heavy financial burden on them which not everybody can afford. They strongly assert that medical services need to be accessible and covered by the free national health system. The participants emphasized that sex confirmation surgery provided by the national health system is their right because it improves their well-being and improves their quality of life. The participants express that they want to live a low-profile life like the rest of the people in society in the true gender they feel comfortable. This study aims at contributing an initial platform towards further research about the life satisfaction in various areas of Maltese transsexual person’s well-being of their life.