Living in Pain and Stigma: A Look at Lived Experiences of Mothers with Transsexual Adult Children

Abstract

Purpose: A mother whose child wants to undergo gender transitioning may have different and even challenging experiences. These challenges are much more intense in the Middle East and Muslim countries than west countries, which are very conservative towards changes. This study aimed to explore lived experiences of mothers with transsexual adult children.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 mothers with transsexual adult children in 2021 from cities of Iran. Collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.Results: Data analysis revealed that lived experiences of mothers could be divided into five main themes: “mother’s negative and painful feelings”, “mother’s concerns about the future of the child”, and “Frustration in the face of negative and malicious reactions from family and intimate people”, “social stigma”, and “lack of professional and government support”.Discussion Findings of this study suggest that unawareness and inadequate information about transsexualism and gender change could cause fear, shame, and confusion in mothers with transsexual adult children. Non-governmental organizations and support associations in countries that are religiously conservative can serve as centers for informing the public and increasing their awareness.