Sexual Experiences and Sexual Orientation among Transgender - Adolescents

Introduction Research shows that transition-related medical healthcare is associated to positive sexual satisfaction (outcomes) in transgender adults, and better psychosocial functioning in adolescents. So far, little information on the sexual behaviour and sexual health of transgender youth has been available, with only one other study that has assessed the sexual and romantic experiences of this group of individuals before gender-affirmative treatment. Objectives The aim was to assess the sexual experiences of transgender adolescents before having undergone any sort of treatment who had been referred to the Hamburg Gender Identity Service and fulfilled criteria for the diagnosis gender dysphoria. Methods Frequencies of sexual experiences were assessed via questionnaires completed by n = 126 transgender adolescents around the age of 15.6 years. The data was analysed by means of descriptive statistics. Groups were further divided according to gender, age, and the degree to which adolescents had socially transitioned. Results Although the majority of the adolescent sample reported having fallen in love (85 %) or having had a committed relationship (65 %), and around half of the sample reported having had sexual phantasies and masturbation, physical-sexual interactions with a partner were less frequent. Less than half of the sample (44 %) reported having had intimate experiences with other adolescents or sexual intercourse (almost 14 %). Older adolescents (15-18 years of age) and those who had already undergone a social transition, reported comparatively more sexual experiences than younger adolescents (11-14 years) or those who still lived predominantly in their previous gender role. Conclusion Transgender adolescents had not undergone the same important sexuality-associated developmental milestones as adolescents from the general population. These findings appear to point to the importance of transitioning for the psychosexual development. They also stress the relevance of a protective space in psychotherapy or counselling that would allow transgender youth to discuss their sexuality-related issues.