Experiences of transgenerian women in a city of recôncavo of Bahia

Abstract

We sought to analyze the experiences of transgender women in a municipality in Bahia's recôncavo. It is a descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study; The snowboll technique was used. Eleven transgender women were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews and field diaries were used; collection conducted from July to August 2018. Thematic analysis was performed, resulting in 4 empirical categories: stigma and prejudice; social network; transgenderity and mental health and psychosocial vulnerability. Prejudice suffered in the social, school / university, health services and LGBTQI + community was reported. They also noted that the process of gender transition - from birth to self-perceived gender - involves acceptance and support of their social network. There was evidence of alcohol use / abuse, gender dysphoria, psychiatric problems and psychosocial vulnerability and non-access to health services. It was found that their experiences were marked by prejudice, stigma, scarce social network and social vulnerability that corroborates the intense psychological suffering.