Exploring the Lived Experience of Elderly Transgender People: Qualitative Phenomenological Study

This study explores the lived experiences of elderly transgender individuals residing in trans communities in Pondicherry, with a focus on their challenges in accessing end-of-life care and the broader societal, economic, and intergenerational issues affecting their well-being.

A phenomenological approach with descriptive analysis was employed over eight months. Six transgender individuals aged 50 and above were selected through purposive sampling. Baseline data were collected using a structured questionnaire, followed by in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom. Each interview, lasting approximately one hour, was recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Hermeneutic Phenomenology to identify key themes.

Eight constitutive themes emerged from the analysis: Challenges in Self-expression, reflecting struggles in living authentically; Dependency, indicating reliance on others for support; Generation Gap with Community Members, revealing disparities in values and perspectives; Handling Daily Struggles, highlighting daily adversities; Unheard Complaints, emphasizing societal neglect; Feeling Useless and a Burden, indicating diminished self-worth; Shrinking to Self, showing social withdrawal; and Segregation or Solitary Living, illustrating experiences of exclusion and isolation. These themes are encapsulated in the overarching theme, "Navigating Isolation and Dependency in the Lived Experience of Elderly Transgender Individuals."

The study reveals the profound impact of societal discrimination, economic hardship, and intergenerational gaps on elderly transgender individuals. It underscores the urgent need for advocacy, inclusive policies, and community-based support systems to address their unique challenges and enhance their quality of life, particularly in end-of-life care contexts.