"You're Gonna Need Way More Variables:" What Trans Masculine, Nonbinary, and Agender Individuals Want Sex Researchers to Understand.

Abstract

Cis-heteronormative frameworks have inadequately addressed the complexity of trans masculine, nonbinary, and agender (TMNB) individuals' sexual attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and experiences, often marginalizing these perspectives. To fully capture the richness of TMNB sexuality, it is essential for researchers to resist the constraints of cis-heteronormativity by employing participatory research methods that center TMNB voices and lived realities. This participatory study engaged directly with TMNB communities to identify their priorities in sex research. The study sample included 298 participants with diverse gender identities, including trans masculine (52.68%), nonbinary (36.91%), and agender (10.40%). Thematic analysis of participant responses revealed 13 key themes: (1) pleasurability of sexual experiences, (2) interpersonal dynamics of sex, (3) complex impacts of gender dysphoria, (4) intersectionality of sexual experiences, (5) gendered dynamics of sexual experiences, (6) negative societal influences, (7) impacts of sexual trauma on sexuality, (8) relationships between healthcare and sexuality, (9) lack of prior sexual experiences, (10) nuances of asexuality, (11) engagement with technology, (12) reflections on universal versus diverse experiences, and (13) communication to researchers about the study. These findings underscore the necessity for research approaches that are intersectional, individualized, and attuned to the diverse realities of TMNB sexual lives.