Narrative Identity of a Transsexual Woman – an Individual Case Study

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the narrative identity of a transsexual woman aged 40. The theoretical framework of the study was the definition of the narrative identity by Elisabeth Dryll, the definition of transsexuality and sexual identity, the affirmative theory of the sexual identity of women from Susan McCarn and Ruth Fassinger, and the definition of gender and socio-cultural and their criticism by Judith Butler. Empirical data was obtained through free interviews. Transcripts of the interview were subjected to qualitative narrative analysis. The results show the processual construction of transsexual narrative as well as sexual identity. The narrative dominated the transsexual narrative. The analysis allowed identification of all phases of development, such as the phase of consciousness, exploration, involvement and synthesis (integration) within McCarn and Fassinger. The stages of the development of psychosexual identity have been distinguished, taking into account both their individual dimension (given importance in terms of events, their posture, needs, emotions) and social (discovery of social processes related to the course of biography). The analysis showed that the respondent has a sense of acceptance of sexual identity and gender identity and attains cohesion with private and social life. She has not decided to make gender adjustments at the hormonal, surgical and legal levels. She sought to live in harmony with the preferred sex and to be treated as a person of the sex in a specific area of her own and in accordance with her needs.