Transgender Identity and Social Acceptance: Psychosocial Insights from a Phenomenological Study.

Abstract

Transgender individuals experience complex emotional, social, and psychological challenges shaped by systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and varying degrees of familial acceptance in Türkiye. Despite growing global research, studies addressing these lived experiences within Türkiye's sociocultural context remain limited. This study explored how transgender individuals navigate family relationships, social environments, and available support systems, as well as how they construct resilience and imagine possibilities for social change. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 20 participants from different regions of Türkiye. Thematic analysis revealed intertwined experiences of acceptance and rejection within family and close networks, limited institutional support, reliance on peer and professional networks, persistent stigmatization in daily life, and the development of resilience. Participants expressed cautious optimism regarding increasing awareness, while remaining skeptical about broader structural change. Findings underscore the need for inclusive policies, culturally sensitive psychological support, and educational efforts promoting equality.