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Experiences of Life and Intersectionality of Transgender Refugees Living in Italy: A Qualitative Approach

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  • Fau Rosati

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Valentina Coletta

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Jessica Pistella

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Cristiano Scandurra

    (Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy)

  • Fiorenzo Laghi

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Roberto Baiocco

    (Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Transgender refugees are at risk of experiencing increased minority stress due to experiences of trauma in their country of origin, and the intersection of multiple marginalized identities in their host country. Adopting a transfeminist and decolonial approach, the present study aimed at exploring transgender refugees’ experiences of life and migration. A semi-structured interview protocol was developed, grounded in the perspectives of minority stress and intersectionality. Participants were five transgender refugees (four women and one non-binary) from different cultural/geographic contexts, professing different religions. Using thematic analysis, the researchers identified three themes: pre- and post-migration minority stress and transphobia; religion as a protective factor for gender affirmation; and individuation and the synthesis of social identities. Participants reported traumatic experiences and the inability to openly live out their gender identity in their country of origin as the main push factors to migration. They also reported feelings of isolation and experiences of victimization during interactions with the Italian asylum services, due to a lack of adequate training, racial prejudice, and transphobia. Participants demonstrated positive individuation, linked to gender affirmation treatments and religious protective factors. The interview protocol may be used by social operators to support the claims of transgender asylum seekers, and to clinically assess transgender people with an immigrant background.

Suggested Citation

  • Fau Rosati & Valentina Coletta & Jessica Pistella & Cristiano Scandurra & Fiorenzo Laghi & Roberto Baiocco, 2021. "Experiences of Life and Intersectionality of Transgender Refugees Living in Italy: A Qualitative Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12385-:d:687512
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bradford, J. & Reisner, S.L. & Honnold, J.A. & Xavier, J., 2013. "Experiences of transgender-related discrimination and implications for health: Results from the Virginia transgender health initiative study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(10), pages 1820-1829.
    2. Fox, Samara D. & Griffin, Randi H. & Pachankis, John E., 2020. "Minority stress, social integration, and the mental health needs of LGBTQ asylum seekers in North America," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Fau Rosati & Maric Martin Lorusso & Jessica Pistella & Guido Giovanardi & Bianca Di Giannantonio & Marta Mirabella & Riccardo Williams & Vittorio Lingiardi & Roberto Baiocco, 2022. "Non-Binary Clients’ Experiences of Psychotherapy: Uncomfortable and Affirmative Approaches," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Elena Tubertini & Agostino Carbone & Massimo Santinello, 2023. "Staff Members’ Experience of Italian Shelters for LGBTQIA+ Homeless and Runaway People: An Exploratory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-15, June.

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