Psychosocial Struggles of Transgender Individuals in South Punjab: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract

Transgender individuals frequently face multidimensional psychosocial challenges originate from societal behavior. These difficulties can significantly affect their psychological and social health, yet broad qualitative research rests limited. This study aimed to examine the psychosocial challenges faced by individuals who identify as transgender and to suggest future recommendations for their life upgrading. This study employed a phenomenological qualitative research methodology to specifically examine and propose future recommendations for the improvement of the transgender community. The study employed purposeful sampling to gather data from 24 transgender participants through semi-structured interviews. Ethical consent was obtained from each participant in the study. The data was analyzed utilizing a reflexive style of analysis known as thematic analysis. Various themes and subthemes arose from the study findings. Initially, two main themes were identified, namely psychological challenges and social challenges. Furthermore, fourteen subthemes were also identified. The analysis uncovered that individuals who identify as transgender face various social difficulties, including discrimination in all aspects of life, problems in relationships, harassment, rejection, homelessness, abuse, and extremism from society. Moreover, they experience psychological issues such as identity-related problems, stress, anxiety, depression, and a fear of isolation, which are all consequences of societal behavior. The findings of this study have significant implications for the daily lives of transgender individuals and can help address the issues they face. Nevertheless, the suggested guidelines could prove advantageous for the transgender community once implemented.