Impact of Social Transitioning on Mental Health of Sexual and Gender Minorities Seeking Non-medical Gender Affirming Care

Abstract

This study delves into the effects of social transitioning on the mental health and psychological wellbeing of sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals aged 18 to 25 seeking non-medical gender-affirming care within urban North India. Using a qualitative multimethod design that triangulated semi-structured interviews and parallel qualitative questionnaires, data was recorded from fifteen participants (N = 15) and analysed through thematic analysis. Findings suggest that social transitioning is accompanied with significant improvements in psychological wellbeing under conditions of affirming social ecology, while institutional barriers, legal invisibility, and relational conditionality materially compromise these gains.