An approach to trans* families. Experiences and meanings of transparentality

Abstract

This article aims to present the reality of four trans* families throughout their transparentality. In order to collect their experiences, four interviews were made to two women and two men, who have completed a social transition before or after having children and are defined in a maternity or paternity role. By analyzing the different transparentality experiences it is stated: in the first place, the desire and efforts of the interviewees of surpassing the heterosexual matrix and the difficulties related to it; in the second place, the coping strategies that they take forward. In the third place from the experience of transparentality arise two effects: (1) the decentralisation of their own trans* identity and (2) a secondary transition of their family members. Lastly, there is a role readjustment in some families as a consequence of the aforementioned transition, which has also been studied. This article highlights the work of social sensibilisation by bringing us closer to a society of experiences of transparentality, so that each person and family can live their reality without any fear of stigma or prejudice.