Sexuality and sexual experiences during gender transition: A thematic synthesis.

AIM: To establish what impact, if any, the gender-affirmation process, has on sexuality and sexual experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Sexuality is a multi-faceted construct that influences our attraction to others. Gender transition is the process of aligning our physical sex characteristics with our psychological gender. Our sexuality and our gender identity are often mistakenly assumed to be inextricably linked. It is important to consider and understand the influence of the gender-affirmation process on sexuality and sexual experiences.

METHOD: A thematic synthesis of the available qualitative literature regarding sexuality, and sexual experiences in both transgender people and their partners were appraised, and synthesised. Thomas and Harden's (2008) stepwise process for conducting a thematic synthesis was followed.

RESULTS: A total of seven articles were of relevance and included in the review. Two analytical and six sub-themes were found. The two analytical themes are: 'Re-negotiating previous 'norms" and 'Establishing identity'.

CONCLUSION: During the gender-affirmation process, sexuality, and sexual experiences alter. This has clinical implications for transgender people and their partners, in particular, valuable therapeutic discussion points that need to be considered during the gender-affirmation process.