Being trans with ID: Experiences and perceptions.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The experiences and perceptions of adults with intellectual disabilities who identify themselves as transgender.
IRAS ID
217887
Contact name
Michaela Chapman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 13 days
Research summary
The aim of the study is to understand how adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) who identify themselves as transgender or are questioning their birth gender, experience their identities. It also aims to explore whether their experience impacts on their own notions of stigma. \n\nKnowledge of stigma, mental health, and factors of minority coping remains limited as it applies to sexual and gender minority populations and there is a lack of research with a specific focus on identifying as transgender for the perspectives of people with ID. Therefore, this study set out to explore this. To date, research examining transgender and ID is limited, has been largely descriptive and most information is based on single case studies. More research above and beyond that of just case studies is therefore needed. The aim is to contribute to and expand the current evidence base to extend previous research by addressing the gap in the qualitative literature in exploring the experiences of individuals with ID. Furthermore, the study aims to explore the variables impacting on psychological well-being in order to formulate appropriate support mechanisms for those with ID.\n\nTo participate, individuals must be aged 18 years or over, have an ID, whose gender identity or expression differs from their assigned sex at birth, are English speaking and are able to provide informed consent to participate. Participants must also be in contact with professionals who are able to assess their capacity to consent.\n\nParticipants will be interviewed on a one-to-one basis at home, in support group settings or the University of Liverpool. The interviews will use a semi-structured interview schedule and will last approximately one hour. \n\nThe anticipated end date for the study the 30th September 2019, in line with the submission of the research thesis and one year leave for maternity, with recruitment between 16/04/18-28/02/19.\n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0159
Date of REC Opinion
10 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion