Symposia
Couples / Close Relationships
Shelby B. Scott, Ph.D.
University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Lex Pulice-Farrow, M.A.
Doctoral Student
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Quyen A. Do, M.Ed.
Project Director | Graduate Research Assistant | Ph.D. Student
University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Bryanna Garibay, PhD
Research Assistant
University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Kimberly Balsam, PhD
Full Professor
University of Palo Alto
Palo alto, California
Objective: Given that transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals vary in their pace and decisions to pursue various gender affirming treatment options (e.g., social transitioning, hormone therapy, surgical interventions), many TNB individuals may be in romantic or intimate relationships during their gender transition process. Romantic relationships may serve as a particularly salient form of social support for TNB individuals who are at increased risk of social isolation, rejection, and other forms of minority stress during this process. However, most research on gender transitions in romantic relationships have focused on the experiences of the (primarily cisgender) partner of TNB individuals and overwhelmingly on negative effects of this process on the relationship. As such, the current study focused on understanding both the positive and challenging elements (both relationally and externally) of going through a gender transition while in a romantic relationship from the TNB individual’s perspective. Method: Using a mixed-method approach, we conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with TNB adults (M age = 36; 75% White, 20% Hispanic, 5% African American, 5% Native American) who reported being in a relationship during part or all of their gender transition. We coded de-identified transcripts using thematic analysis and noted benefits and challenges of having a romantic partner during this process. We also obtained preliminary quantitative survey data from N = 115 TNB adults currently in romantic relationships and who went through part of their gender transition while in this relationship. Participants reported on their relationship quality and levels of affirmation and support from their partners. Results: Results revealed six themes related to benefits and seven themes related to challenges of going through a gender transition while in a romantic relationship. Representative positive themes include partner validation of identity, affirming communication, and advocacy, while representative challenges include negotiation of sexuality and gender dynamics, centering of (cisgender) partner, and insecurity about the relationship. Preliminary survey results show significant associations between partner affirmation/validation of TNB identity and higher relationship quality for TNB individuals. Conclusions: Results translate to clinical recommendations to better serve TNB individuals and their romantic partners as they navigate a gender transition in their relationship.