"I'm Coming Out!" an Emotional Experiences, Gender Dysphoria and Social Transitioning of Transgenders

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study described how the transgender experience gender dysphoria and their Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT). It also explored the physical and emotional changes happening during the process of social transitioning. There is no sufficient evidence as to how transgenderism and gender dysphoria exactly developed. It can be both genetic and environmental. However, Brody (2016) reported that "being transgender simply happens, possibly during brain development in the womb.” There are many reported transgenderisms in the Philippines, however, only a few studies were conducted.

METHODS

This study utilized a narrative analysis designed to explore the experiences of seven (7) transmen and two (2) transwomen to trace the development gender dysphoria, discrimination experiences towards social transitioning or cross hormonal treatment to sexual reassignment surgery. The researcher developed, administered, a scored and interpreted the Gender Dysphoria Scale to measure the degree of gender dysphoria and the emotional profile. Then, it was confirmed through an individual semi0structured, face-to-face audio-recorded interview.

RESULTS

Severe signs of gender dysphoria are the main underlying reasons for undergoing Hormonal Replacement Therapy. Gender dysphoria is described by the respondents as the feeling an of incongruence to their mind and body connection. The only way to fight gender dysphoria is to undergo hormone replacement therapy. Through this transitioning, it is the attainment of their "real self" if not "ideal self”; for the transmen to become a real "man" and for the transwomen, to become a real "woman." The effects of hormonal replacement very differently across ages, genetic makeup and environmental factors. During hormonal transitioning, both transmen and transwomen experience mood swings due to hormonal replacement therapy. Emotional profile varies greatly depending upon the moods and social factors.

DISCUSSIONS

The experiences of Filipino transgender are not far different from other transgender in other parts of the globe. The study suggests that gender dysphoria experience may result in further investigation of genetic composition, prenatal or congenital development and other predisposing factors. There could be other possibilities to further advance the studies on gender which can also invite a multidisciplinary approach in investigating the phenomena such as religious, cultural, sociological, anthropological, philosophical, historical and psychological aspect.