A qualitative study examining the effects of transitioning on the sexual experiences of Trans male individuals

Emma Juul 1, Samantha Banbury 1, Amanda Visick 1, Joanne Lusher 2, * and Cinar Aydogan 3

1 Department of Psychology, London Metropolitan University, London, UK.
2 Provost’s Group, Regent’s University London, UK.
3 Computing and Digital Media, London Metropolitan University, London, UK.
 
Research Article
International Journal of Frontline Research in Science and Technology, 2023, 02(01), 014–023.
Article DOI: 10.56355/ijfrst.2023.2.1.0052
Publication history: 
Received on 06 December 2022; revised on 20 January 2023; accepted on 22 January 2023
 
Abstract: 
This qualitative research examined the effects of transitioning on sexual experiences in Trans* men. Six participants aged 19 to 45 years took part in a semi-structured interview about their transition, and mental and sexual well-being, pre-and post-transition. A thematic analysis identified three main narratives: conflicted sexual well-being pre-transition self, see no Trans* hear no Trans*, and developing sexual self-efficacy post-transition. Participants discussed how the sexual education curriculum lacks LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, which resulted in compromised mental and sexual well-being. Participants used social media almost exclusively as a source of knowledge on inclusive sex education and Trans* male identity and representation. Once participants were able to express themselves appropriately and had transitioned, mental well-being and sexual self-efficacy improved. Future qualitative research might look at the effects of social media on sexual self-efficacy, and a longitudinal quantitative study could target measuring levels of sexual self-efficacy pre- and post-transition.
 
Keywords: 
Trans*; Trans male; LGBTQIA+; Sexual self-efficacy; Identity; Inclusivity
 
Full text article in PDF: