Paths taken by transsexuals: in search for gender transition

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the paths taken by transsexuals, aiming to know their itineraries in the search for meeting their health needs and demands. As a methodological choice, an exploratory study with a qualitative approach was carried out, using Therapeutic Itineraries (IT) as a theoretical reference.
Interviews were conducted with seven transsexuals. From those, it was possible to identify some milestones in the IT of the interviewees, such as the ‘recognition as a trans’ and the ‘health care network: in search for body modification’. It is believed that this study allowed to give visibility to the trajectory of transsexual people, considering their experiences, their conflicts, and their difficulties to achieve gender identity. In addition, it was possible to perceive how transsexuality is still a condition disregarded by health professionals and managers of the Health Care Network, as well as by a share of the people of social life. This points to the importance of this study in at least three aspects: social, political, and regarding health.