Rebuilding Relationships in a Transgender Family: The Stories of Parents of Japanese Transgender Children

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Gender Affirmative Education Program for Families of Trans Young People

“…Furthermore, as the internet was often the first port of call for trans-related TRANS FAMILY EDUCATION EVALUTION information, it was perceived to be an appropriate place for an education resource. These findings concur with other international research that has underscored the importance of the internet as a resource for families of trans young people (Ishii, 2017;Katz-Wise et al, 2017;Kuvalanka et al, 2014;Rahilly, 2015). The benefits of online learning have been highlighted by other researchers who note its convenience, its flexibility to learners' needs, the potential for cost-effectiveness, and the opportunity to reach a wider audience (Kahn, 2005;Pugh, Chan, & Korol, 2015).…”

“…One of the key goals of the education program was to examine any impact on selfreflection and personal insight, as some studies have highlighted how having a trans family member may facilitate personal development and growth (Cantner, 2012;Gregor, 2013;Ishii, 2017;Pearlman, 2006;Wren, 2002). While there was no quantitative data to support the program's impact on personal reflection and insight, the qualitative interviews suggest the program may have provided some participants with a space for reflection.…”

“…In other studies, parents have identified their engagement in peer support groups as a factor in their normalization of trans identities (Cantner, 2012;Hegedus, 2009;Katz-Wise et al, 2017). For instance, in Ishii's (2017) interviews with Japanese mothers, one participant recalled the reassurance she felt after reading a story online about another mother who struggled to accept her lesbian daughter: "I knew the situation in which I was stuck was OK" (p.9). Of interest, these findings also mirror some of the positive benefits identified by families in accessing support from the LGBT community (Gray et al, 2016;Ishii, 2017;Pyne, 2016;Riley et al, 2013a).…”

“…For instance, in Ishii's (2017) interviews with Japanese mothers, one participant recalled the reassurance she felt after reading a story online about another mother who struggled to accept her lesbian daughter: "I knew the situation in which I was stuck was OK" (p.9). Of interest, these findings also mirror some of the positive benefits identified by families in accessing support from the LGBT community (Gray et al, 2016;Ishii, 2017;Pyne, 2016;Riley et al, 2013a). Within these studies, the families' interactions with the LGBT community were perceived as adding to families' sense of the relatability of trans people more generally.…”

“…TRANS FAMILY EDUCATION EVALUTION support and information for families (Gray et al, 2016;Ishii, 2017;Kuvalanka et al, 2014;Pearlman, 2006).…”