Gender Identity Acceptance and Self-Compassion Process of Women Loving Women
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Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how women who value themselves as women loving women accepted their gender identities as well as their self-compassion process. This qualitative study used case study methodology. Six participants, all over 18 years old, were recruited by a purposive sampling method. In-depth interviews were used to gather the data, which were further analyzed through content analysis. The findings demonstrate that the case study involved the personal experience of accepting one’s own gender identity. Based on Germer’s primary theories, self-compassion was analyzed. The findings were divided into two aspects: 1) gender identity acceptance, which found five characters; namely, not being herself when dating a man, being herself when dating a woman, worrying that others will not accept her, choosing to be who she is, and embracing with what she is; and 2) the self-compassion process, which found five processes; namely, aversion, curiosity, tolerance, accepting, and friendship. The findings led to an understanding of gender identity acceptance along with the self- compassion process in women loving women which became beneficial guidelines to encourage, protect, and relieve their mental issues. Moreover, raising awareness of understanding, acceptance, and compassion by society would increase opportunities for LGBTQs to accept their own gender identities and live harmoniously in society.
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