Exploring Care Needs of Partners of Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals in Co-Transition: A Qualitative Interview Study

Scientific knowledge on the impact of a gender-affirming transition on intimate partners oftransgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals is limited. It is unclear which care needs partnershave and which role health care professionals can play during this transition process. The aim of thisstudy was to explore the unique experiences and care needs of people partnering with TGD peoplein the context of a gender-affirming transition. A qualitative research method was chosen, and asemi-structured interview was conducted with a sample of nine participants. After transcription,thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three main themes, with three subthemes each, wereidentified: (1) intrapersonal processes, with (1a) the process of acceptance, (1b) concerns surroundingthe medical transition and (1c) impact on sexual orientation as subthemes; (2) dyadic processes, with(2a) the importance of mutual commitment, (2b) experiences regarding intimacy and (2c) relationalgrowth as subthemes; and (3) perception of support, with (3a) need for support, (3b) the importanceof support and (3c) evaluation of support as subthemes. The results suggest that health care providerscan help partners to navigate the process of a gender-affirming transition; however, the care needs ofpartners are currently not satisfied with the available professional support.Scientific knowledge on the impact of a gender-affirming transition on intimate partners oftransgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals is limited. It is unclear which care needs partnershave and which role health care professionals can play during this transition process. The aim of thisstudy was to explore the unique experiences and care needs of people partnering with TGD peoplein the context of a gender-affirming transition. A qualitative research method was chosen, and asemi-structured interview was conducted with a sample of nine participants. After transcription,thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three main themes, with three subthemes each, wereidentified: (1) intrapersonal processes, with (1a) the process of acceptance, (1b) concerns surroundingthe medical transition and (1c) impact on sexual orientation as subthemes; (2) dyadic processes, with(2a) the importance of mutual commitment, (2b) experiences regarding intimacy and (2c) relationalgrowth as subthemes; and (3) perception of support, with (3a) need for support, (3b) the importanceof support and (3c) evaluation of support as subthemes. The results suggest that health care providerscan help partners to navigate the process of a gender-affirming transition; however, the care needs ofpartners are currently not satisfied with the available professional support.