The Impact of Lived Experiences on Life Outcomes Among Transgender Adults

Transgender individuals experience notable disparities in life outcomes relative to cisgender individuals. These disparities have been linked to adverse childhood experiences, mental health, and discrimination. However, notable gaps exist in our understanding of the mechanisms linking early experiences and gender identity to later life outcomes. This study aimed to explore early experiences and gender identity to identify factors contributing to different life outcomes among the transgender community. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted among 21 transgender individuals with a mean age of (20.94 ± 2.15). Five themes emerged relating to participant experiences: the impact of family dysfunction, body discomfort before and after transitioning, relatedness and belonging, the importance of social support, and community and healthcare dilemmas. These findings highlight the importance of support systems at the familial, community, and healthcare levels. Having a positive self-concept, supportive relationships, family acceptance, and access to care were critical in promoting resilience and long-term success among transgender individuals. Future research endeavors should examine the perspectives of family members, friends, school faculty and healthcare professionals to gain a more comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to social inequities within the transgender community.