Joz Motmans

Families in transition: A literature review

Abstract Research on the transgender population is often limited to their medical care, and in particular to their mental well-being. The social and family environment in which a social gender role transition takes place is often overlooked. Although research is limited, this article reviews the existing literature on the family aspect of a gender transition. Articles regarding three different aspects were selected for this review: first, the issue of parenthood during transition and the experiences of children with a transgender parent, second, the experiences of partners and ex-partners of transgender individuals, and third, the experiences of parents with a gender variant child. Articles were restricted to those with a focus on family members and situations during transition. For all three contexts, several mediating factors, both individual and social, were distinguished. Various challenges for future research were identified.

Transgender and non-binary persons and sexual risk : a critical review of 10 years of research from a feminist intersectional perspective

Research shows that HIV prevalence in transgender and non-binary persons is extremely high, with prevalence rates ranging up to 52.4% (Edwards et al., 2007). This high risk is associated with a number of (trans-specific) factors, such as stigma, discrimination, normative gender roles, involvement in sex work, a lack of knowledge about safe sex and an inaccurate perception of risk. This article critically reviews the last 10 years of research on transgender and non-binary persons and sexual risk from a feminist intersectional perspective that focuses on gender identity, class, ethnicity and other axes of difference that contribute to the high risk for HIV for (some) transgender and non-binary persons. There appears to be an interweaving of different factors in which the discrimination and stigmatisation of transgender and non-binary persons is central. The limitations and pitfalls of current research are pointed out, and suggestions for policy and further research are made.

Healthcare costs and quality of life outcomes following gender affirming surgery in trans men: a review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Options for gender affirming therapy in trans men include social transitioning, mental coaching, hormonal therapy and gender affirming surgery. Research has concluded that gender affirming therapy is safe and feasible and generally leads to high satisfaction rates. However, research regarding the cost-effectiveness is scarce. Areas covered: A literature research was conducted on PubMed, Google scholar and Scopus, searching for relevant articles on the subject of the effects of gender affirming hormone therapy, gender affirming surgery and fertility in trans persons. Out of the 77 full text articles, 29 on the topic of quality of life and sexual desire following the initiation of gender affirming hormonal therapy and gender affirming surgery were selected for this review. Expert commentary: Multiple studies have shown the positive effect of gender affirming hormonal therapy and gender affirming surgery on quality of life of trans persons and several studies describe an increase in their psychological wellbeing. In addition, satisfaction rates after gender affirming surgery are high and surgery is rarely regretted. However, as only one study has addressed cost-effectiveness of gender affirming treatment in trans men, further research is necessary.

Transgenders en werk in België : definities, concepten en cijfers

SamenvattingIn 2008 verkozen transgenderrespondenten in een Belgisch onderzoek de positie van transgenders op de arbeidsmarkt tot het voornaamste aandachtspunt in onderzoek en beleid.1Tien jaar later is het vinden van werk, en het behouden ervan, nog steeds één van de grootste uitdagingen voor transgenderpersonen.

Werken aan een transvriendelijk bedrijfsimago

SamenvattingEen werkgever moet uiteraard niet wachten tot hij te maken krijgt met een transwerknemer. Met een proactief beleid voorkomt men eventuele latere problemen en bouwt men bovendien aan een open uitstraling. Werken aan een transvriendelijk imago kan simpel zijn.

Introduction to the themed issue: Trans* policy, practice and lived experience within a European context:

This themed issue, ‘Trans* policy, practice and lived experience within a European context’, emerges at a time when global understandings of gender are rapidly changing across social, cultural, political, policy and legal spheres. The understanding of gender as the materialisation of the categories of male or female that are fixed at birth is in flux, and this issue speaks to these shifts at conceptual, procedural and empirical levels.