Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Transgender individuals experience an extensive range and degree of disadvantages that can be attributed to stigmatization. This project set out to explore how transgender individuals in the Netherlands experience stigma using a general inductive approach. The project aimed to understand the contexts, manifestations, and consequences of stigmatizing experiences of transgender individuals. Inductive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and one focus group volunteer transgender individuals (n=26) living in the Netherlands found health care to be one context where stigma is experienced. Structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal stigma was reflected upon and reported to negatively impact help-seeking and to prolong suffering. Societal gender norms, transgender stereotypes, and poor understanding of transgender identities were identified to influence experiences. Identification on the gender spectrum (e.g., gender non-binary compared to binary) was found to be associated with differences in experiences. Positive experiences were also found and provide insight into approaches for improving health care for transgender individuals. This research suggests that research investigating transgender individual’s experiences in health care should pay attention to knowledge and societal constructs. Overall, stigma clearly impacts the lives of transgender individuals and should be a target for intervention.