Ecological Factors in Adolescent Transgender:Case Study

Abstract

Gender dysphoria phenomenon is spreading among Malaysian. This case study focuses on the alternative transgender lifestyle among adolescent. Five young Muslim male respondents are involved in this study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the ecological factor that influences the formation of transgender identity. Interview method is used to acquire samples, researchers used purposive sampling. The result of this study finds that peers are a dominant factor that influences the respondents to be inclined towards transgender identity formation. Aside from that, negative treatment from the mass media and family are also a factor. In terms of religion, according to the respondents they believe that transgenderism and religious practice are two different entities. When the respondents were asked on their emotion status, they felt happy, accepted and have a good relationship among the transgender community. Suggestion for future research is to study how ecological factor can help transgender to return to their original gender.