Experiences and Meanings of Couple in the Lives of Two Transgender Women in Medellín

Abstract

This qualitative, biographical-narrative work explores how two transgender women in Medellín have been constructing their meanings of being a couple. Their gender transition represents a bodily, intellectual, and spiritual flow that makes them queer to themselves and to the people around them. This makes their bonds particular, since on the one hand they get true recognition and support and, on the other hand, rejection, especially when their partners hide them from their social circle, do not give them sexually pleasure due to the ambiguity of their bodies, or do not intend the relationship for the long term. As a result, trans women trigger mechanisms to stand up for themselves and protect their emotions.