Explain briefly the Summary of Findings

Title: EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF A CISGENDER MAN WITNESSING THE GENDER TRANSITIONING OF A TRANSWOMAN PARTNER

Summary of findings

The primary purpose of this research was to explore the lived experiences of cisgender men who witnessed a transwoman partner transitioning her gender. The findings speak to this goal. Overall, respondents shared their first-hand impressions, ideas, and views on gender transition, particularly as it affected their romantic partners. Five overall main themes with matching sub-themes emerged from the data analysis process: Homophobic Culture: Gender Transition as an Eye Opening Experience, Gender Transition Through the Eyes of Cisgender Men, Through the lens of Stigmatization: Challenges of Having a Transitioning Partner, Love and Commitment Overpower Difficulties, and Complexity of Gender Transition: Cisgender Men's View on Their Individual and Relationship Growth. Each respondent's story was distinct and varied in identity, but the majority of it corresponded to the main themes that had been identified. One of the main themes, for instance, described how respondents learned something from those experiences, which were thought to be eye-opening for cisgender males. They mainly talked about how these experiences have opened their eyes, fascinated them with the possibilities of transition, and challenged any bias they may have previously had toward the LGBTQIA+ community. It was also discovered that respondents learned more about the neighborhood.

Another theme describes how cisgender males interpret their partner's gender transition, and it describes how they interpret their own gender transition. Through the eyes of cisgender males, it was revealed that gender transition was a means of self-fulfillment, acting comfortably, and expressing one's true self. It somehow reflects that the feelings and wishes that are usually considered typical of individuals with transgender or non-binary identity labels, also appear in cisgender individuals, a previous study highlights that a similar range of experiences is also found among cisgender and transgender individuals (Jacobson and Joel, 2019). Based on their personal experiences, the cisgender males in this research expressed perceptions that are typical for transgender people who undergo direct gender transition.

Relationships will always have challenges, but in this research, those difficulties are specifically highlighted by the narratives of cisgender males who have a partner who is transitioning. The respondents point out that coping with the negative effects of medication as the difficult aspect of witnessing the gender transition in this identified topic. While earlier studies have described the challenges, such as the problems with disclosure, societal binary and heteronormative norms and expectations, as well as the internal debate and negotiation brought on by the change, (Iantaffi & Bockting, 2011; Joslin-Roher & Wheeler, 2009). Cisgender men frequently cited health issues and mood swings. According to the respondent's account, there may be a risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The research also seems to be significant for understanding any potential effects of gender transition. Despite the fact that going through these difficulties has improved their situational awareness and consideration.

Despite the difficulties they perceived, cisgender men were still able to back and accept their partners' gender transition. Thus, the theme "Love and Commitment Overpower" recognized acceptance and support. depending on the analysis, challenges. It developed as a result of the respondents' individual narratives. Respondents can understand the phenomenon of gender transition as something that their spouses need and want. The respondents' utmost support and acceptance can be seen in their increased patient investment and readiness for the anticipated adjustments.

Finally, the theme of Cisgender Men's View on their personal and romantic development became apparent. The events were interpreted by the respondents as their motivation to develop personally, particularly to become more mature, more self-assured, and to let go of other people's opinions. These findings imply that witnessing gender transition has a substantial impact on a cisgender man's perception of himself. However, respondents also noted some improvement toward the overall relationship. The purpose of the research is to investigate the phenomenon of gender transition as it relates to transgender women's cisgender male partners. The formulation of the results of this research was made after looking at the individual accounts of the respondents from the administered survey.