Discovering a diverse gender in adolescence: revelation of being. Exploratory study

Abstract

Gender identity is configured from childhood.

Objective: to explore the experience in the construction of a diverse gender in adolescence in its family and social context.

Method: Exploratory qualitative study that used the Grounded Theory method and its analytical techniques of coding, categorization, and constant comparison. 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with youths aged between 12 and 21 years attending a Specialized Psychopedagogical Center in Medellín, Colombia, plus the contribution of close adult relatives in 3 of the interviews. The ethical requirements for this type of study were met.

Results: The incongruence between body and gender identity begins with an internal conflict that allows the exploration of the self as a task inherent to the individual. Adolescence exacerbates the need for recognition of that identity. This study shows that gender identity is a dynamic process of individual construction, permeated by the family-social context, which is sometimes attacked by imposing hegemonic binary standards (male-female); archetypes that promote discrimination with serious consequences for physical and mental health. Comprehensive management should embrace and facilitate the process of building a diverse gender in adolescence.

Conclusions: The experience of a diverse gender begins in childhood with the feeling of body/gender identity incongruence, and intensifies in adolescence with dysphoria being predominant. Self-acceptance, family support, and the beginning of affirmation are sources of resilience that facilitate full disclosure of a diverse gender.