Stigma, resistance and hope: the experiences of parents of young transgender adults

The study depicts Israeli parents of young transgender (trans) adults as means of understanding the influence of stigma on the experiences and perceptions of parents of children who belong to social, including gender, minorities. The analysis of 18 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Israeli parents of young trans adults (mean age: 21.26), suggests that parents’ experiences are highly influenced by the stigma of gender diversity. The findings demonstrate how stigma is produced vis-a-vis the intersection between micro and macro level factors, shaping the parents’ experiences, through feelings of shame, blame, and self-stigma. Yet, by using mechanisms of redefinition, acceptance, activism, and meaning-making, the parents challenge the stigmatizing social attributes of gender diversity, constructing gender-diversity as a locus of authenticity, agency, and pride. This provides these parents with hope that fosters their agency and subjectivity, while they strive to regain some of the power that was denied them by stigma.