Experience of Challenges Faced by Elderly Transgender individuals in Lahore, Pakistan: A Qualitative study

Abstract

This qualitative study, using a descriptive phenomenological research design, aims to provide insights into the challenges faced by elderly transgender individuals in Lahore, Pakistan. The transgender community, being a vulnerable section of society, faces a myriad of personal, social, and economic issues. Ten participants (aged 55-70) were recruited from two private charity organizations to share their subjective experiences with accessing healthcare. In-depth interviews were used as a research tool. The analyses revealed the role and attitude of family, lack of social support, stigmatization, psychosocial dilemmas, and the attitude of healthcare providers as the main challenges. This research broadens the current understanding of health challenges faced by older transgender individuals by highlighting the associated complications and difficulties of the phenomenon. It serves as a remedial resource for different stakeholders such as doctors, youth, parents, families, communities, educators, policymakers, and health practitioners. The study provides insights into developing prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies to address health issues in the transgender community.