title: Experiences of female partners of masculine-identifying trans persons.
abstract: This paper explores the intimate relationship experiences of the cisgender (i.e., not transgender) female partners of masculine-identifying transgender persons, with a particular focus on these partners' self-understanding of their sexual orientation. Limited research about this topic has been conducted to date. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight South African women who are or have been cisgender female partners of masculine-identifying trans persons. Although the interviews showed that the relationship experiences of female partners of masculine-identifying trans persons are diverse, several common themes emerged in the narratives. The way that participants labelled their sexual orientation did not change from before to after their relationship with a transgender partner. The participants reported varied family and community responses to their relationships. Specific emotional and informational support needs for women with transgender partners were identified.
authors.affiliation: Gender DynamiX, Cape Town, South Africa. lieslt@genderdynamix.org.za
authors.forename: Liesl
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Theron
authors.forename: Kate L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Collier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D057228:Masculinity; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013019:South Africa; D063106:Transgender Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male