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. 2022 May;51(4):2049-2063.
doi: 10.1007/s10508-021-02242-y. Epub 2022 Apr 21.

Gender Dysphoria and Sexual Well-Being Among Trans Masculine and Nonbinary Individuals

Louis Lindley  1 , Annalisa Anzani  2 , M Paz Galupo  3
Affiliations
Free article

Gender Dysphoria and Sexual Well-Being Among Trans Masculine and Nonbinary Individuals

Louis Lindley et al. Arch Sex Behav. 2022 May.
Free article

Abstract

Prior qualitative research has noted that gender dysphoria impacts sexual engagement and satisfaction for many trans masculine and nonbinary individuals. As such, the current cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the exact relations between distinct aspects of gender dysphoria (i.e., genital, chest, other secondary sex characteristics, and social) and engagement in, and enjoyment of, specific sexual acts. To achieve this aim, a sample of 141 trans masculine and nonbinary participants who were assigned female at birth and whom had not undertaken a medical transition were recruited. Participants were identified as trans masculine (n = 52), nonbinary (n = 72), and agender (n = 17). Participants completed a survey rating both body and social gender dysphoria and their engagement and enjoyment of receptive and performative roles across six partnered sex act domains (i.e., insertion, oral sex, sex toys, manual stimulation, nipple stimulation, and anal stimulation), as well as masturbation and noncoital activities. The overall results demonstrated that gender dysphoria is more salient to sexual acts that involve receiving versus providing sexual pleasure. In addition, genital and chest dysphoria were often significantly related to lower ratings of engagement and enjoyment. These results support the understanding that trans masculine and nonbinary individuals are likely negotiating sexual encounters to avoid sexual acts that involve areas of their body they find most distressing and marks an important area for future interventions and research.

Keywords: Gender dysphoria; Nonbinary; Sexual well-being; Transgender.

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