Transsexuales En Irlanda

Psychological knowledge.

Understand and be aware that there has been a history of heterosexism and gender bias in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). For instance, counselors should have knowledge that homosexuality was previously categorized as a mental disorder and that currently “gender identity disorder” remains in the DSM


In order to work with trans women a counsellor needsto be aware of the gender identity and sex issues that this group encounters. This group experiences a mismatch between their biological sex and their psychological awareness of gender, feeling more comfortable in the identity of the other gender. Trans women have lifestyles that clash with the mandatory gender norms of society and in order to be physically reassigned in their preferred gender,many trans women even undergo surgical procedures.

Because of the above, I will describe the psychological issues faced by trans women using Lev’s model (2004) and O’Neil et al.’s Gender Role Conflict Theory (GRC) (1995). Lev proposed a five-stage model regarding the transitional process experienced by transgender people. This model is formed by 5 stages: awareness, seeking information,exploration, disclosure and integration. Lev’s model is not progressive as not all trans women will experience the 5 stages in the same way or order. O’Neil et al.’s GRC theory, explains that gender role conflict occurs when an individual experiences negative consequences as result of overly restrictive gender roles. Hence, this framework focuses on the situational constrains placed on people by theirsocialised gender role while allowing for an understanding of the experience of distress without blaming the individual for their situation. I personally like this framework as I consider that being aware of societal gender norms is important in understanding the distress experienced by trans women.

In the awareness stage of Lev’s model, trans women begin to understand in which way they do not‘fit’ under society’s expectations of their biological gender role. GRC model would argue that is it of importance to normalise the individual’s sense of self and to explore the distress caused by societal reactions. In Lev’s seeking information stage trans women explore gender the individual. From a GRC perspective, trans women also need to understand and anticipate the negative reactions that theywill potentially find from those around them. In the exploration stage of Lev’s model, trans women explore the meaning that transgenderism has in their lives. This usually involves the resolution of gender dsyphoria and the development of their own identity, as well as the confidence that others can see them as they see themselves.

The GRC model describes three steps within Lev’s explorationstage: identity, incorporation, and transitional. In the identity stage, trans women might reject associations with their biologically gender role. In the incorporation step, trans women may struggle incorporating their male aspects of self into the woman they are becoming. The transitional step, involves deciding whether or not continuing the process towards a permanent gender transition, as notall trans women will want to have body modification surgery.

Lev’s disclosure stage refers to the ‘coming out’ process, that is, when a trans woman is ready to inform others about her new emerging identity. Many will be frightened about losing their job and loved ones. As GRC focuses on the situation rather than on blaming the individual, it can be useful at balancing the needs of thetransgender person with the family’s need to process the meaning of the situation (Lev, 2004).

The integration stage of Lev’s model has 2 steps. First is acceptance, were trans women are comfortable with both their masculine and feminine aspects, as well as having begun to define their own sense of biological sex and genderised role behaviours moving beyond the dominant cultural stereotypes. The...