Exploring the Effects of Transphobia among Transgender Community

Abstract

Transgender community often faced many negative attitudes and discrimination because of their identities. These experiences can affect their mental health or education and relationships or access to healthcare facilities and many more. This qualitative study explores how transgender community in Pakistan experience transphobia and how it affects their daily lives. Descriptive phenomenology  approach was used in this study. Data were collected through two focus group discussions method in which we take 12 transgender participants between age 24 to 32 years. The data were collected from different areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The data were analyzed through Thematic analysis in which we found two main areas psychological effects and social effects. Participants talked about discrimination and harassment  or stress and anxiety. They also talked about police harassment or verbal abuse at their workplace. They talked about how they face educational and unemployment issues or rejection for society. Despite of these difficulties, they show signs of hope and personal strength. The findings show that transphobia affect transgender community at both personal and social levels. Greater acceptance and proper psychological support are needed.