Understanding the Lived Experiences of Transitioning Adults with Gender Dysphoria in the United Kingdom: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Adults with Gender Dysphoria have shown to be at an increased risk of mental health issues, often as a result of barriers to accessing treatment and experiencing discrimination. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of adults with gender dysphoria seeking treatment in the United Kingdom (UK). Two transgender males and six transgender females participated. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Analysis of the transcripts revealed three superordinate themes: "Accessing Healthcare Services," "Searching for Acceptance," and "Impact of Gender Dysphoria on Psychological Wellbeing," that represented the experience for this population. It is concluded that there is a substantial need for counseling support during and after the treatment seeking process within the UK.

Accessing and utilising gender-affirming healthcare in England and Wales: trans and non-binary people’s accounts of navigating gender identity clinics

“…Navigating healthcare services, securing referrals and accessing good care should not require specialist knowledge or skill. Waiting times were also a significant issue for most participants, reflecting other studies on trans health [ 22 , 34 – 36 ]. Current estimates on accessing adult services is two to three years from the point of a formal referral being accepted to a first appointment with a psychiatrist [ 34 ].…”

“…Waiting times were also a significant issue for most participants, reflecting other studies on trans health [ 22 , 34 – 36 ]. Current estimates on accessing adult services is two to three years from the point of a formal referral being accepted to a first appointment with a psychiatrist [ 34 ]. Our analysis has echoed this, as well as underscoring the significant impacts waiting times can have on the wellbeing of trans people.…”

‘Stuck in the System’: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Transmasculine Experiences of Gender Transition in the UK

“…This can result in service-users receiving incorrect information from unverified sources or hiding questions and doubts that could be resolved through discussions with clinicians. This is reflected in previous IPA research; Harrison et al (2020) reported similar findings whereby participants felt pressured to 'prove' their identity to GIS. Our results expand on this by demonstrating the 'sacrifice' and 'loss' transmasculine people endure throughout this process.…”

“…There is a paucity of qualitative healthcare literature about the experiences of trans people in the UK; one exception is Harrison et al’s (2020) Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of eight trans people seeking medical transition. The authors describe the importance of social acceptance and illustrate the dissatisfaction expressed by participants regarding long waiting times and lack of support.…”

“…Meyer et al (2020) discuss similar difficulties experienced by trans adults in the US, highlighting the gatekeeping and often stigmatising stance of clinicians, and position these struggles as a matter of unmet expectations. While the work of Harrison et al (2020) and Meyer et al (2020) provides valuable insights into some difficulties faced by trans people, the continued underrepresentation of transmasculine perspectives (25% and 37%, respectively) confers a significant gap in our understanding of transmasculine experiences of healthcare, which we seek to address in this article.…”