Beyond dental dams: a critical review of recent research on lesbian, bisexual and queer women's sexual health

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a critical review of literature on the sexual health of lesbian, bisexual, queer, and other sexuality-diverse (LBQ+) women. The review aimed to understand how LBQ + women's sexual health is framed in current research and the impact of this framing on recommendations for future research and practice. We also explored how holistic definitions of sexual health are applied in research. A narrative synthesis of literature published between 2012 and 2023 was conducted. We then undertook a critical review utilising Bacchi's ‘What's the problem represented to be’ (WPR) framework. There were 91 publications included in the review. Findings show that LBQ + women are diverse in their sexual identities, practices and experiences and that many LBQ + women have sex with cisgender men, irrespective of sexual identity. Despite this, research in this field often rests on the assumption that sex between cisgender women is the dominant sexual experience of LBQ + women and, therefore, that LBQ + women face low or no HIV/STI risks. This creates fragmented and unclear conclusions about what LBQ + women need regarding sexual health promotion and support. Further, the current literature provides limited insight into the significance of sexual identity and gender on LBQ + women's experiences navigating safe and pleasurable sex. We recommend future research focuses on LBQ + women's navigation of safety and pleasure in their sexual encounters and relationships, with consideration given to identity and community connection, as well as the social and relational contexts in which LBQ + women experience sex throughout their life course.