More than Invisible - Unimaginable: parenthood aspirations among transgender and nonbinary people in Italy

Abstract

Transgender and nonbinary people's experiences are distinct from cisgender people's experiences, and relatively little is known with respect to their desire for parenthood or to remain childfree. This study aimed to explore aspirations about parenthood among fifteen trans men and women (n = 7) and nonbinary adults (n = 8) without children from Italy, adopting a life course theory approach. Employing thematic analysis, we identified three overarching themes: (1) navigating obstacles that excluded the choice of parenthood; (2) encountering violence and stigma; and (3) future possibilities for transgender and nonbinary parenthood. Results showed that transgender and nonbinary people's parenthood aspirations were hampered by violence, stigma, and difficulties with affirming and care pathways. Participants saw themselves as being potentially competent to be parents. However, they experienced challenges to their aspirations living in a society that rejected their personal ideas about what a family is supposed to be. Although twelve participants desired or considered parenthood, they did not imagine this to be a realistic option. Many of them thought about becoming parents in a different country, through adoption, and of negotiating parenthood outside of limits imposed by binarism, within safe and creative spaces.

Keywords: Parenthood aspirations; life course theory; qualitative methods; transgender and nonbinary people.