Looking at Resilience among Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Portugal: Gender Affirmation Paths and Parenting Aspirations

Abstract

The transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) population is highly diverse. To date, research on the association of the various family–parenthood aspirations of TGGD people with distinct affirming paths and identities remains scarce. A survey was conducted aiming to characterize the TGGD population’s diversity and socio-demographic profile. A community-based convenience sample of 115 self-identified TGGD adults living in Portugal was collected. Most of the participants (69%) did not have any children, 10% had children of their own, and about 20% did not have children in the present but reported their intensions to have children in the future. The results were discussed, highlighting the heterogeneity found in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, gender identification, and gender affirmation pathways (social, legal, and medical), with a focus on the participants’ parenthood aspirations. The under- or non-representation of transgender individuals in population surveys, such as demographic and health surveys, is a barrier to understanding the social determinants and health disparities faced by this population.

Gender Identity Orientation and Sexual Activity—A Survey among Transgender and Gender-Diverse (TGD) Individuals in Norway

“…Alain Giami, Emmanuelle Beaubatie, and Jonas Le Bail collaborated with transgender organizations and healthcare experts in France to create a survey questionnaire [55,56]; this questionnaire featured one open-ended question designed to capture gender identities among the participants by asking the respondents to describe their current gender identification using their own phrasing. The same protocol was developed in Brazil [57], Italy [58], Chile [59], and Portugal [60].…”

Meanings and perceptions of parenthood among transgender men who became pregnant before gender transition

“…The challenges listed were: discrimination and prejudice, exhaustive concern with protecting children from possible attacks [16][17][18][19][20] , difficulty in aligning gender performance and normative notions of paternity 6,21 , need for legal support 22 , absence of family emotional support and impaired mental health 19,23 . Another study also revealed vulnerability to depression and anxiety 24 due to stigma and violence.…”

Sentidos e significados de parentalidade entre homens trans que engravidaram antes da transição de gênero

“…Os desafios elencados foram: discriminação e preconceito, preocupação exaustiva em proteger os/as filhos/as de possíveis ataques [16][17][18][19][20] , dificuldade de alinhamento entre performance de gênero e as noções normativas de paternidade 6,21 , necessidade de apoio jurídico 22 , ausência de suporte emocional familiar e comprometimento da saúde mental 19,23 . Outro estudo ainda revelou a vulnerabilidade à depressão e ansiedade 24 , em função do estigma e violência.…”