The family and romantic relationships of trans and gender diverse Australians: an exploratory survey

Abstract

The present paper contributes an Australian focus to the growing body of research on trans and gender diverse people's family and romantic relationships. A survey designed by the authors was completed by 160 trans or gender diverse Australians. A negative correlation was found between discrimination from families of origin and perceptions of support, and conversely a positive correlation was found between perceptions of support and emotional closeness. Analysis of open-ended responses suggested that support was primarily constituted by 1) emotional support, 2), utilising correct pronouns and names, and 3) financial support. Discrimination by families of origin was primarily constituted by 1) refusal to use correct pronouns and names, 2) exclusion from family events, and 3) pathologising responses. The findings in regards to romantic relationships suggest that trans women were more likely than trans men or gender diverse people to experience challenges in negotiating romantic relationships.A negative correlation was found between difficulties in negotiating romantic relationships and belief in the likelihood that an 'ideal' romantic relationship would occur in the future. Difficulties in negotiating romantic relationships were primarily described in terms of 1) anxiety over potential responses, 2) discrimination from potential partners, and 3) lack of self-acceptance. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for clinical practice.

Family support and discrimination and their relationship to psychological distress and resilience amongst transgender people

“…Contrary to this study, a prior clinical study on individuals with gender dysphoria found no significance between social support and psychological distress (Davey, Bouman, Arcelus, & Meyer, 2014). However, the present study echoed previous research (e.g., Riggs, von Doussa & Power, 2015) that perceived gender-related discrimination from families was related to higher rates of psychological distress, and conversely, that the more participants perceived that families were supportive of their gender, the less psychological distress they experienced. The present sample was a national survey, which was more consistent with the diversity of the sample (i.e.…”

“…The present sample was a national survey, which was more consistent with the diversity of the sample (i.e. non-clinical sample) in Riggs, von Doussa, and Power (2015).…”

“…In terms of studies that included Australian samples, Riggs, von Doussa, and Power (2015) surveyed 160 transgender people, and found a negative relationship between discrimination from families of origin and both being emotionally close to families of origin and support from families of origin. Of the sample, only a quarter indicated that they had experienced no discrimination from families of origin.…”

(Dis)Owning Exotic: Navigating Race, Intimacy, and Trans Identity

“…In their study of trans and gender diverse Australians, Riggs, von Doussa, and Power () found that transgender women are more likely than transgender men or gender diverse people to experience challenges in negotiating romantic relationships and these struggles are primarily a result of anxiety over potential responses (particularly rejection or threats of violence via physical assault), discrimination from potential partners, and a lack of self‐acceptance. Sumerau and Mathers () also demonstrate various ways transgender women must navigate such fear and anxiety throughout contemporary U.S. society wherein any disclosure risks negative response due to violation of cisgender assumptions built into interpersonal and structural norms.…”

“…Unlike some other trans individuals, Nina does not rely on her family for emotional support (Riggs, von Doussa, and Power ). This does not mean she has been completely rejected by her family, however.…”