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Parent–Teacher Non-Acceptance to Early Gender-Diverse Behaviours of Transgender Children

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International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Discrimination and stigma that is shown towards gender-diverse children by society are matters of serious concern for social scientists in India. Lack of awareness about the gender diversity is the key to society’s intolerance towards children who identify as gender diverse. Unfortunately, parents and teachers are also acting as the torchbearers of the gender binary and maltreat the children, who are growing up at homes and schools. Thus, early identification of the gender preferences of children becomes cumbersome and leads to denial of their right to personal security. The present study attempted to understand the parents’ and teachers’ attitudes towards early identification of gender-diverse behaviour as perceived by the grown-up children aged between 18 and 42. This study was conducted among adult trans-persons of Puducherry, India, and data was obtained by using a semi-structured questionnaire, an in-depth interview, case study, and focus group discussions. Responses of the subjects revealed that they perceived a distinct lack of support from parents and teachers during the process of gender identification. Social stigma and poor knowledge about the issue that cause abuse, violence, marginalisation, and oppression from family and school were perceived by the subjects. The need for the sensitisation of parents and teachers in supporting children, who require special attention, is enormous. Practitioners, researchers and NGOs should take proactive measures to address these issues through evidence-based intervention strategies adaptable to the Indian cultural milieu. Ignorance of the issues and challenges of trans-persons at an early age by the parents, teachers, policymakers and larger society would be an unhelpful gesture towards this community.

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No funding was sourced for organising the study, preparing the manuscript or conducting the study. No funds, grants or other support was received.

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Correspondence to Aleena Maria Sunny.

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Sunny, A.M., Deb, S. Parent–Teacher Non-Acceptance to Early Gender-Diverse Behaviours of Transgender Children. Int. Journal on Child Malt. 4, 493–515 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42448-021-00093-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42448-021-00093-7

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