| The purpose of this study was to examine the life experiences--including the childhood, family relationships, and social stressors--of Latina male-to-female (MTF) transsexuals by exploring the development of their gender identity in the context of their ethnicity. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 Latina MTF transsexuals who met the following criteria: (a) were born in Latin America or whose family was originally from Latin America, (b) self-identified as MTF transgender (i.e., had thought about/desired to physically alter their bodies or had altered their bodies in order to align them with their gender identity), and (c) were at least 18 years of age.;The interviews were examined using thematic analysis, which is a qualitative method for identifying patterns or themes within data (Braun & Clarke, 2006). A total of 11 major themes were derived from the thematic data analysis: (a) Coming out: identification as "gay," (b) rejection/lack of support while growing up, (c) flee from home due to adversity, (d) travel to San Francisco for support, (e) prostitution as a means of alleviating financial hardships, (f) assaults in adulthood, (g) discrimination, (h) drugs and alcohol as a means of coping, (i) mental health history/contacts, (j) hormonal treatment without a prescribing doctor, and (k) sex reassignment surgery as an option, not a necessity.;Latina MTF transsexuals are persons who are often marginalized on many levels as a result of their gender identity and cultural background, and in some cases, due to language barriers. From this research, it is evident that cultural factors, such gender roles and religion, influence the life experiences of Latina MTF transsexuals, but additional research is needed to clearly understand the ways in which these cultural values influence the gender identity development of Latina MTF transsexuals. By conducting further research, there will be a more thorough understanding of the needs of the Latina MTF transgender population and services can be tailored to meet their needs. This research only starts to understand and portray some of what it means to be a MTF transgendered Latina. |
