The influence of cisnormative discourses on the physical and psycho-emotional care of trans youth in Mexico

Abstract

Cisnormativity in the health field has involved the pathologization of identities that do not align with gender binaries. The aim of this study was to analyze the scope and influence of cisnormative discourses on the care and health of trans youth. Semi-structured interviews were carried out between March 2021 and May 2022, and results were analyzed from a social constructivist approach. Five young trans people between 20 and 29 years old participated in the study (2 trans women and 3 trans men). Results showed that aspects of cisnormative gender discourse were evident in their narratives; however, at the same time they generated alternative narratives, where psycho-emotional and bodily care led them to position themselves outside of common tropes such as dysphoria and “the wrong body”. We conclude that this study contributes to dismantling the medical view of trans people by showing how they adopt self-care practices by mobilizing their own resources. Furthermore, it reflects the importance of building dialogues with trans people that will allow more and better care strategies to be generated.

Keywords

• Young Adult
• Transgender Persons
• Self Care
• Delivery of Health Care
• Cisnormativity
• Mexico