Barriers faced by trans men (female to male transgender persons) in gender transitioning in Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction In 2012, transgender persons in Pakistan were granted right for a legal third gender identity, and in 2018 the Transgender Persons (Protection) of Rights Act affirmed transgender people’s right for self-perceived identity. Further, gender affirming medical treatments were also legalized to support gender transitioning in transgender persons. The current study was conducted to explore barriers faced by female-to-male (FtM) transgender persons/trans men in accessing gender affirmative treatment for the purposes of gender transition. Method To achieve the objective, 11 trans men were interviewed who had Childhood Onset of Gender Dysphoria screened through Urdu translated versions of Gender Identity/Gender Dysphoria Questionnaire for Adolescents and Adults and Recalled Childhood Gender Identity Questionnaire. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and grounded theory method was used for analysis. Results Analysis revealed medical, educational, social, legal, religious, financial, and psychological barriers that participants faced during the process of transitioning. Conclusion Findings are discussed within the cultural context of Pakistan and in light of the existing literature. The findings of this research would help clinicians, academicians, policy makers and other stake holders in raising awareness regarding problems faced by FtM transgender persons.