In a groundbreaking new study published in BMC Psychiatry, researchers delve into the deeply personal and often harrowing experiences of individuals living with gender dysphoria within the sociocultural fabric of Iran. Employing qualitative, phenomenological hermeneutic methods, the study illuminates the complex interplay between social rejection, legal shortcomings, and intense psychological distress endured by this demographic in a society strongly governed by traditional Islamic gender binaries.
Gender dysphoria, defined as the distress experienced when one’s gender identity does not align with the sex assigned at birth, is a global phenomenon that intersects uniquely with cultural, religious, and legal frameworks. In Iran, where strict gender binaries are enforced and reinforced by both law and religious doctrine, living authentically poses significant risks and challenges. This study uniquely situates these struggles within Iran’s distinctive context, expanding our understanding of how culture shapes mental health outcomes for transgender individuals.
Drawing on face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with fourteen participants selected through purposive sampling, the researchers utilized Critical Hermeneutic Analysis, a seven-stage interpretive process, to decipher the rich narratives shared. The results present a sobering portrait of systemic marginalization, highlighting two core thematic struggles: the absence of social and cultural support, and the distressing psychological experiences stemming from this alienation.
The first theme underscores the pervasive lack of acceptance and support from immediate family and the broader society. Participants reported being rejected by loved ones and stigmatized within public life, compounding the challenges faced in their journey toward gender affirmation. The absence of legal recognition or protective frameworks further exacerbated these hardships, rendering individuals vulnerable to discrimination and violence with limited recourse.
Cultural taboos emerged as a formidable barrier, deeply ingrained in societal norms and religious ethics, that shape public perception and policy. This entrenched opposition not only fuels exclusion but also fosters environments in which prejudice and misinformation thrive. Participants described feeling trapped within these rigid constraints, unable to express their identities without fear of reprisal or ostracism.
The second thematic axis explored the profound psychological turmoil accompanying gender dysphoria in this context. Participants divulged feelings of disgust towards their own sexual characteristics, a manifestation of the intense internal conflict about gender conformity imposed by societal expectations. This internalized distress often translated into anxiety, persistent fear, and a reluctance to reveal one’s true gender identity, fueled by concerns over safety and acceptance.
Perhaps most distressingly, the study uncovered reports of physical abuse, verbal assaults, death threats, and suicidal ideation amongst those interviewed. The constitutive metaphor uncovered by the researchers—”being in a different world”—aptly captures the isolating and alienating experience described by participants, standing apart from societal norms that define their reality without consideration of their authentic selves.
This research highlights not only individual suffering but systemic failures, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive changes in Iran’s social, legal, and medical landscapes. Current limitations restrict access to gender-affirming care, a critical resource for improving mental health and well-being in transgender populations.
The authors advocate for the establishment of legal protections and the development of inclusive healthcare frameworks that respect and facilitate gender affirmation. Integral to these efforts is the transformation of public attitudes and policy discourse, a challenge given the pervasive influence of religious jurisprudence in governance.
Cultural and educational interventions are recommended as pivotal tools in shifting societal perceptions. By promoting awareness and understanding via public platforms, such as television and official statements from policy-makers, these initiatives could gradually erode stigma, fostering greater empathy and support for individuals with gender dysphoria.
This study serves as a crucial call to action, exposing how deeply culture shapes the gender dysphoria experience and urging stakeholders in Iran and beyond to reconsider not only healthcare provisions but also the very social norms that underpin discrimination. It asserts a pressing need to reconcile tradition with human rights to alleviate suffering and enable authentic lives.
Moreover, the study’s phenomenological hermeneutic approach exemplifies the value of qualitative research in unpacking lived experiences that quantitative measures often overlook. This approach foregrounds personal narratives and meanings, providing a platform for marginalized voices in scientific discourse.
The findings are especially pertinent amid global conversations on gender diversity, illustrating the profound consequences when sociopolitical systems are unwilling or unable to accommodate gender variance. Iran’s context serves as a potent example of how law, religion, and culture intersect to influence mental health crises related to gender identity.
To truly address the epidemic of distress within transgender communities worldwide, culturally sensitive strategies that respect context while upholding individual dignity are imperative. This study offers a roadmap for how such work can be conducted, blending rigorous qualitative methods with a commitment to social justice.
In sum, “Being in a different world: a phenomenological study of life with gender dysphoria” provides an urgent, necessary lens on an often invisible population. It challenges readers and policymakers alike to understand the profound isolation faced by individuals with gender dysphoria, particularly within restrictive cultural milieus, and to work towards a world where everyone can live authentically without fear.
Subject of Research: The lived experiences of individuals with gender dysphoria in the sociocultural and legal context of Iran.
Article Title: Being in a different world: a phenomenological study of life with gender dysphoria
Article References:
Rezaee, N., Ghaljeh, M., Pezaro, S. et al. Being in a different world: a phenomenological study of life with gender dysphoria.
BMC Psychiatry 25, 646 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07110-w
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