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Ambiguous Loss as a Framework for Interpreting Gender Transitions in Families
Author(s) -
McGuire Jenifer K.,
Catalpa Jory M.,
Lacey Vanessa,
Kuvalanka Katherine A.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of family theory and review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.454
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1756-2589
pISSN - 1756-2570
DOI - 10.1111/jftr.12159
Subject(s) - dialectic , psychology , transition (genetics) , social psychology , psychological resilience , identity (music) , gender identity , doing gender , developmental psychology , epistemology , philosophy , chemistry , biochemistry , physics , acoustics , gene
In this article, we use an ambiguous loss framework to guide a process for decentering cisnormativity (the assumption that biological sex and gender are aligned) within families, specifically for those experiencing the gender identity transitions of family members. Individual family members have varied experiences with regard to gender transition and may or may not experience ambiguous loss depending on their position within the family system. Trans* persons themselves may also experience ambiguous loss as a result of the dialectical tension of acceptance and rejection by family members. We apply resilience processes developed for work with persons facing ambiguous loss to support trans* persons and their families as they navigate gender transitions.