Construction of continuity in relationships when someone close is transsexual

• The categorization of people into men and women are a predominant idea in contemporary society. When gender identities are radically changed, as sex change due to Transsexuality, close relationships might be changed and revisited. The over-all aim of this study is to explore how parents, partners, brothers and sisters and children of transsexual persons make sense of the relationship. Based on interviews with 15 close relatives to transsexuals living in the Stockholm area, the analysis reveals how the change of sex was regarded as a catastrophe, a breakthrough development, or both. The close relatives relate to the 'new' gender identity in line with the previous particular relationship, as partner, child etc. and because of cultural images of kinship, gender and health. The relatives either describe the sex change as central for the relationships or that the sex is unimportant. A common denominator identified is the relatives' construction of continuity in describing the past and present gender. Continuity is created in different ways; as recognizable physical signs, familiar behavior, own persistence feelings and as accounts of authenticity; both in their own and in the transsexuals identity. This authenticity is framed in ideas of a 'true self' and individuality. Different strategies were identified to be used in the process of constructing continuity. These findings are discussed as continuity in time and between inside and outside. Relatives alter these constructions to maintain a close relationship.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)