“I guess the trans identity goes with other minority identities”: An intersectional exploration of the experiences of trans and non-binary parents living in the UK

Background: Research on trans and non-binary parents has identified challenges in integrating parenting and gender identities, and in navigating stigmatizing environments. Studies have also highlighted the unique experience of transmasculine pregnancy and its violation of cisheteronormative ideals, yet little is known about either the experiences of trans and non-binary parents who have used diverse routes to parenthood or their experiences beyond the transition to parenthood. Research on the way in which gender intersects with other identity categories to shape the experiences of trans and non-binary parents is also lacking. Aims: This study aimed to explore the experiences of trans and non-binary parents in the UK within different parenting spaces both during and after the transition to parenthood, using an intersectional framework. Methods: Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with trans and non-binary parents and analyzed according to the principles of thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified, reflecting participants' experiences within the ”highly normative world“ of parenting, and the strategies of ”being a pragmatic parent“ and ”being a pioneering parent“ used to navigate this. Discussion: The findings of this study highlight the usefulness of an intersectional approach for research on this topic. Findings also evidence a need for inclusive, and queer, parenting spaces for trans and non-binary parents, so that parents and children can enjoy the benefits of trans parenting.

这篇文章的研究议题主要探讨了英国跨性别和非二元性别父母在各种育儿环境中的经历和身份认同。研究采用交叉性分析方法，考察了这些父母在成为父母之前和之后如何应对高度规范化的育儿世界。文章重点关注了他们在怀孕、收养和日常育儿空间中遇到的挑战，以及他们如何在表达真实身份和获得适当支持之间寻求平衡。研究还探讨了不同身份特征（如种族、阶级、残疾状况）如何影响这些父母的经历，以及他们采取的应对策略，包括务实和开拓性的方法。最终，研究强调了创建更具包容性的育儿环境和提供制度支持的必要性。

这项研究采用了定性研究方法，主要通过半结构化访谈收集数据。研究者对来自8个家庭的11位跨性别和非二元性别父母进行了深入访谈，包括亲生父母、非亲生父母和领养父母。访谈内容涵盖了他们成为父母的过程、作为父母的经历以及与孩子的关系等方面。研究采用了反思性主题分析（reflexive thematic analysis）的方法来分析访谈数据，并运用了结构性符号互动论和交叉性理论作为理论框架。研究者还采用了类别内（intracategorical）的交叉性分析方法，探讨了群体内部的差异。

这项研究的主要发现和结论包括：跨性别和非二元性别父母在高度规范化的育儿环境中面临诸多挑战，特别是在怀孕和收养过程中遭遇了基于顺性别和异性恋规范的歧视。 研究发现这些父母采用了“务实”（pragmatic parent）和“开拓”（pioneering parent）两种策略来应对这些挑战，但这些策略往往伴随着身份认同和获得适当支持之间的张力。研究强调了交叉性分析的重要性，指出种族、阶级、残疾状况等多重身份特征如何影响父母的经历和应对策略。研究还发现社会支持和盟友对这些父母至关重要，尤其是在成为父母的过渡期。 最终，研究得出结论，需要创建更具包容性的育儿空间，并为跨性别和非二元性别父母提供更多的制度支持，以改善他们在育儿过程中的体验。研究也指出了未来需要更多关注有色人种跨性别和非二元性别父母经历的研究。