“We’re just two people in a relationship”: A qualitative exploration of emotional bond and fairness experiences between transgender women and their cisgender partners

Abstract

Trans-including couples experience systemic marginalization impacting their relationships, yet studies on these relationships or narratives of strength are few. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore emotional bonding and perceptions of fairness between transgender women and their cisgender partners. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was utilized to answer the research question: What are the experiences of emotional bond and fairness between transgender women and their cisgender partners? This research was situated within frameworks of minority stress, romantic attachment, and contextual therapy. Seven couples of transgender women and cisgender partners were interviewed. Three themes emerged: Minority Stress Contexts and Relational Strengths; The Experience of Emotional Bond; and Negotiating Balance. Processes of boundary creation, attunement, affirmations, and balance of care were noted. Findings reframe partner relationships as opportunities to construct transphobia-resistant and resilient narratives. Recommendations for clinicians include prioritizing the couple subsystem as an avenue for building resilience against minority stress. K E Y W O R D S emotional bond, fairness, minority stress, transgender women, transincluding couples JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY | 649 JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY | 661experiences clinically and academically and maintain a fluid and plural perspective on experiences of gender and sexuality because of their different subjective experiences they may be remiss in acknowledging nuances in participant narratives. The cisgender, feminine social locations of the researcher may have created limitations in recruitment, data collection, and analysis (Galupo, 2017).How to cite this article: Coppola, J, Gangamma, R, Hartwell, E. "We're just two people in a relationship": A qualitative exploration of emotional bond and fairness experiences between transgender women and their cisgender partners.

What are the relationship experiences of in which one member identifies as transgender? A systematic review and meta‐ethnography

“…Being united against transphobia is one way couples deepened their bond. Being united against minority stress brought them together by showing emotional support toward each other in challenging situations.” (Coppola, 2019, p. 128)…”

“…Despite the stress that occurred at times, especially for couples in which one person is undergoing transition, many constructs expressed increased satisfaction and closeness for couples who remain together (e.g., Chester et al, 2017). There was emphasis on the importance of increased communication and increased openness (Coppola, 2019; Motter, 2017) and the value of humour (e.g., Forde, 2011). There were also constructs reflecting on how couples found new ways to be together, emotionally and intimately (e.g., Alegría, 2013), and were able to commit to one another deeply.…”

“…Several papers had constructs relating to stigma and oppression, including descriptions of subtle and not-so-subtle incidences of discrimination that could be distressing and isolating (e.g., Motter, 2017). The impact of stigma was often felt by transgender individuals and partners alike, directed toward them by members of the public (e.g., Brown, 2007), family members (e.g., Coppola, 2019) and sometimes members of the wider lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community (e.g., Pfeffer, 2014). Many papers also had constructs relating to activism, both singularly and as a couple, including how this could play a role in strengthening the relationship (Alegría, 2010).…”

“…Throughout these negotiations, it was clear that labels played multiple roles. Sometimes they had meaning for the individual themselves and, at other times, they were a tool to explain or express a position to others (Coppola, 2019).…”

“…For example, this included lesbian partners in a now heterosexual-appearing relationship being rejected by the lesbian community (Pfeffer, 2014). This also occurred alongside experiences of rejection from family and friends, and religious communities (e.g., Coppola, 2019).…”