Psychologists’ reflections on a trans and gender-diverse group at Baragwanath Hospital

Abstract

Background: Statistics indicated that, in 2019, over 3 million of South Africa’s population of 58 million people presented as gender non-conforming. This is challenging, as in South Africa, the Western binary concept is still prevalent. In light of the above, South African research on trans and gender-diverse (TGD) interventions is essential. There is limited research on existing TGD group interventions in a South African public context.

Aim: This article aimed to report on the personal reflections of the two clinical psychologists who co-facilitated a support group for TGD people at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). This study highlights the importance of group intervention in particular.

Setting: Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in South Africa.

Methods: A reflexive thematic analysis was utilised. Thoughts and self-reflective themes discussed after each group were included. No participants or instruments were utilised in this research.

Results: The following themes were identified in this research: gaps in our knowledge, the role of facilitators, misgendering and gender fluidity, collective self-esteem, corrective experience and basic rights.

Conclusion: This group contributed to our learning and development as facilitators. The role of reparation and empathy as facilitators was highlighted.

Contribution: The results support the importance of support groups for TGD individuals in public healthcare as well as the further development of healthcare professionals. Because of a scarcity of psychological services rendered in public hospitals to TGD people, this article may potentially be a rich source of data for future TGD support groups and/or services.