4: Not in the family: trans people’s experiences of family relationships and the implications for support in later life

Publication Date:
19 Jul 2024
Pages:
77–90
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447370048.ch004
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This chapter revisits findings from a systematic review on trans parenting which contained limited findings on grandparenting (Hafford-Letchfield et al, 2019). The authors expand the themes to examine the potential implications for trans people in accessing and developing support in later life, particularly where conflict and transgression impact on future care planning. The authors draw on two case studies from empirical research which illustrate barriers and enablers in developing support networks with birth and chosen family. Honest and respectful communication between individuals is a key factor in building and sustaining relationships. Messages for professional practice with trans people in later life include: the importance of professionals addressing their own transphobia; acknowledging the individuality of trans people’s lives; supporting trans people’s relationships with family members; including trans people in developing and improving all family services; and helping trans people build links with social and community networks that understand their needs.

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