Same Place, Different Worlds: An Emergent Fit Analysis of the Experiences of Iranian Trans Women and Trans Men

Abstract

Iran's cultural, social, and historical characteristics contribute to different experiences for Iranian trans women and trans men compared with their peers in other countries where gender diversity and trans rights are acknowledged. We conducted an emergent fit analysis based on past grounded theory studies of Iranian trans women's and men's identity development to explore and compare the diverse gender developmental milestones of these groups and the underlying causes and mechanisms associated with any observed differences. In this study, emergent fit analysis revealed that trans women's and trans men's experiences are comparable across several general categories, but markedly diverge in many specific emergent details, including different child-parent relationships, school years experiences, peer and romantic relationships, social policy implications, gender taboos during different developmental stages, their experiences after transition/surgery, and legal and social status. Policymakers, academics, clinical associates, and medical professionals not specifically trained in working with gender-diverse populations and those who may not be familiar with Iran’s cultural context can use these findings to enhance their professional knowledge and, as a result, implement policies and practices that acknowledge and support the diverse gendered experiences of trans people.