Search

When a partner comes out as transgender within the context of an established heterosexual marriage, the impact to the cisgender-heterosexual spouse is often overlooked. The researchers utilized a Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) approach to explore the experiences of cisgender-heterosexual spouses who have had a partner disclose a transgender identity, and what played a role in maintaining their marriage. We interviewed twelve participants whose partners came out as transgender after marriage. Data analysis revealed nine domains: marriage; learning about my partner and transition; learning about myself; family; reactions; mental health; support; social influence; and cultural influence. Findings indicate that participants underwent a vast array of both positive and negative experiences and shared a variety of factors that contributed to their decisions to remain married or not. We discuss implications for clinical practice, limitations, and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As issues related to transgender and gender diverse individuals gain more national media attention, professional organizations that promote mental health and LGBTQ + rights continue to advocate for equality and inclusion. Barriers to equality and inclusion for transgender and gender diverse individuals can include a variety of factors including discrimination in educational and workplace settings, and issues related to housing, poverty, and homelessness. To examine the impact of a media intervention on changing attitudes toward transgender and gender diverse individuals. A total of 223 students from a large, Midwestern university in the USA participated and received a 45-minute media intervention along with pre- and post-testing. A split-plot factorial ANOVA to investigate potential differences in attitudes and beliefs toward transgender and gender diverse individuals using the Transgender Attitude and Beliefs Scale indicated a statistically significant interaction based on a media intervention where F(1, 109) = 7.042, p =.009. A split-plot factorial ANOVA to investigate potential differences in willingness to engage in social action on behalf of this population measured by the Social Justice Scale did not indicate a statistically significant interaction based on the media intervention where F(1, 109) =.881, p =.350. These findings suggest that a variety of potential media interventions can increase positive attitudes and beliefs toward marginalized groups, but a stronger and/or additional intervention is needed for participants to engage in social action on behalf of the group. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars continue to call for research-informed treatment approaches for transgender clients. The existing literature directs therapists to learn about unique issues facing transgender individuals and to provide affirming therapy for transgender clients. We offer a person-centered approach to treatment for transgender individuals that integrates current scholarship with person-centered theory and offers specific interventions for use with transgender clients. These theoretical applications and interventions are offered for both interpersonal and intrapersonal work with clients. Following our analysis, we offer future areas of emphasis for treatment and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss their work with a young adult client who identified as gender fluid. The client was a college student in a rural, mid-south town. The authors are two faculty members who worked with the client for a period of 2 years using a cotherapy supervision approach. The counseling approach was affirmative and person-centered. By keeping a focus on the exploration of gender foremost, the clinicians saw an abatement of other symptoms (depression, suicidality, self-harm, disordered eating, low self-confidence, emotion dysregulation, dissociation, and so on) and an improvement in wellness (relationships, emotion regulation, self-concept, assertiveness, appropriate boundary-setting, and so on) over time. The authors offer specific interventions such as collaborative letter writing and the creation of a transition roadmap. They also highlight the advantages and utility of a collaborative, person-centered, consent-based, affirmative approach to therapy with rural transgender and nonbinary clients with complex presenting concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the globe, trans and gender diverse people have a wide range of access to health care, psychological as well as physical, that is unique to their home country's context. Some of the contributing factors are nations' health care systems, laws and policies surrounding discrimination, adequate resources, and under-trained health care professionals. Unfortunately, inability or difficulty in accessing transition related health care and support leads to negative impacts on mental health. In this article, the authors describe the unique contexts related to transgender health care in Canada, Japan, South Africa, and the United States. We focus specifically on the financial cost of transition for trans and gender diverse people, including gender affirming surgeries as well as mental and health care more broadly. We discuss the role of mental health professionals as advocates for gender affirming care and the fundamental human right to health care. We include discussions of therapy, assessment, medical care such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries, and additional invisible costs. We highlight the importance for all mental health professionals to be aware of the impacts to trans and gender diverse people's mental health when their fundamental health care needs are not met. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for how mental health professionals can advocate for their clients' access to transition related care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative research on levels of depression and gender dysphoria in drag populations is lacking. It is possible that this lack occurs because researchers tend to include drag queens within transgender samples. Such sampling practices may result in inaccurate assumptions about drag queen populations. This study established rates of depression and gender dysphoria in a sample of self-identified cisgender drag queens. Participants reported low levels of gender dysphoria and significantly lower levels of depression than have been found among trans women, however, these participants presented with higher rates of depression than have been found among gay men who do not perform drag. Higher rates of involvement in drag performance were positively correlated with depression and negatively correlated with gender dysphoria. Results indicate that self-identified cisgender drag queens are unlikely to experience gender dysphoria and are less depressed than samples of trans women. The researchers discuss implications and future directions for mental health practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]