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The present study investigated the ways trans masculine and nonbinary individuals describe aspects of their sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction refers to an individual's subjective evaluation of their sexual experiences, and is influenced by relational, contextual, and personal experiences. Prior research with sexual satisfaction among trans individuals utilized quantitative measures, restricting the ability for respondents to describe trans-related aspects. Further, the pervasive focus on the effects of medical transition on binary trans individuals' experiences in prior research limits our understanding of those who do not desire a medical transition or live outside of the gender binary. Participants represented a community sample of 358 trans masculine and nonbinary individuals who responded to the question: "In what ways are you satisfied with your sex life?" Thematic analysis revealed eight overarching themes that represented two categories: universal and trans-related. Discussion focuses on the ways in which clinicians and researchers can utilize the current findings to improve the sexual satisfaction of trans masculine and nonbinary individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gender dysphoria has historically been explained through both a clinical lens and the narrative of body dissatisfaction. Because clinicians serve in a gatekeeping role for gender affirming medical services, trans clients may feel the need to report symptoms consistent with diagnostic criteria. Clinicians' accounts of dysphoria, then, may not be the most comprehensive descriptions of gender dysphoria. The present study aimed to understand how trans individuals describe their experience of dysphoria in relation to their body and appearance. Methods: Using a non-clinical sample, qualitative data were collected online from 463 participants who identified as transgender, transsexual, non-binary, or having a transgender history, and ranged in age from 18 to 74 (M = 26.89 SD= 8.03). The sample was predominantly White (84.9%), with 15.1% identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. Participants answered an open-ended prompt describing their experience of body dysphoria. Results: Three overarching themes emerged via thematic analysis: 1) Disconnection from Body; 2) Manifestations of Distress; and 3) Changes in Dysphoria. Participants' responses clearly disaggregated the concept of gender dysphoria by independently describing their body (Disconnection from Body) and their distress (Manifestations of Distress). Our participants also specifically described how their dysphoria changed over time and fluctuated in other ways (Changes in Dysphoria). Conclusions: The present findings suggest that trans individuals' experience of dysphoria is heterogeneous and highlight the ways that lived experiences both support and extend current understandings of gender dysphoria. Policy Implications: Discussion focuses on the implications for current clinical practices regarding assessment and diagnosis of gender dysphoria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is aimed at understanding how trans masculine and nonbinary individuals describe aspects of their sexual dissatisfaction. Previous studies on cisgender sexual dissatisfaction have utilized narrow definitions of dissatisfaction, operationalizing it in opposition to sexual satisfaction. Moreover, the pervasive focus on the outcomes of medical intervention steps in prior sexual dissatisfaction research with trans masculine participants ignored the experiences of individuals who do not desire a medical transition or live outside of the gender binary. Participants in the current study represented a non-clinical sample of 358 trans masculine and nonbinary individuals who responded to the question: "In what ways are you dissatisfied with your sex life?" Thematic analysis revealed six overarching themes for participant dissatisfaction: 1) difficulty with orgasm, 2) partner dynamics, 3) trauma, 4) desire for different body parts, 5) gender dysphoria, and 6) medical transition. Discussion focuses on the ways in which clinicians can utilize the current findings to decrease the sexual dissatisfaction of trans masculine and nonbinary individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative experiences in healthcare settings have been linked to decreased treatment satisfaction and reduction of future help-seeking behaviors among transgender individuals. The present study used gender-identity based microaggressions as a model for understanding the client–therapist relationship. Using a qualitative approach, we investigated instances of microaggressions from mental health providers as experienced by 91 adults who identified as transgender or gender diverse. Participants completed an online survey and described instances of microaggressions directed towards them from mental health providers. Thematic analysis resulted in four therapy-salient themes: Lack of Respect for Client Identity, Lack of Competency, Saliency of Identity, and Gatekeeping. Our discussion of the results focuses on the examination of microaggressions as ethical guideline violations. We discuss methods to improve the practical application of ethical standards to counseling with transgender clients. Implications for practice, training, and future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the microaggressions that gender non-conforming and agender identified transgender individuals receive from their romantic partners. While microaggressions have been studied in the romantic relationships of transgender individuals, gender non-conforming and agender individuals' experiences of microaggressions have not been the focus. Participants included 390 adults who identified as gender non-conforming (n = 200) and agender (n = 190) and who were either currently or formerly (within the past five years) in a romantic relationship. Results were analyzed via thematic analysis and resulted in three relationship salient themes: 1) identity parsing; 2) binary assumptions; and 3) transition-dependent. Discussion of the results focuses on the way microaggressions are shaped by normative assumptions of gender/sex and sexuality. Clinical implications for sexual and relationship therapy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although mental health disparities for transgender individuals are well documented, a number of obstacles exist for receiving affirming therapy. To provide an understanding of transgender peoples' help-seeking experiences, the present study aimed to investigate their positive experiences of identity microaffirmations within a therapeutic relationship. Sixty-four transgender participants answered an open-ended question online regarding their experience of gender identity–based affirmations in therapy. Using thematic analysis, responses were evaluated and four main themes were identified: (1) absence of microaggressions, (2) acknowledging cisnormativity, (3) disrupting cisnormativity, and (4) seeing authentic gender. Implications for therapeutic work with transgender clients are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on microaggressions experienced by LGBTQ people has focused largely on a general understanding of this concept; however, no research exists that focuses exclusively on microaggressions that LGBTQ people face across religious and spiritual communities. The present study addressed this gap in the literature by using a qualitative method to allow LGBTQ people (N= 90) to directly report microaggressions that they have experienced within their religious and spiritual communities. Thematic analysis revealed three predominant themes: (1) LGBTQ identities as inauthentic; (2) religious/spiritual tolerance of LGBTQ Identities, and (3) LGBTQ and religious/spiritual identities as incompatible. Implications and future directions discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transgender microaffirmations are subtle endorsements of a person's gender identity through both verbal acknowledgements and behavioral gestures. Microaffirmations positively impact individuals who identify as transgender by acknowledging their gender identity and by communicating a sense of support and validation. Aims: This study focuses on microaffirmations specifically directed toward nonbinary transgender individuals within romantic relationships. Methods: Participants included 161 adults who identified as nonbinary: 85 who identified as gender nonconforming and 76 who identified as agender. These participants were either currently in a romantic relationship or had been in a romantic relationship within the past 5 years. Participants completed an online survey and provided examples of the microaffirmations they experienced from their romantic partners. Results: Responses were analyzed via thematic analysis, resulting in four overarching themes: (1) Identity Validations, acknowledgement and acceptance of nonbinary identity; (2) Identity Endorsements, active endorsements of nonbinary through language or behavior; (3) Active Learning, self-education about nonbinary identities; and (4) Active Defense, interruptions of others' negative actions directed at nonbinary partners. Discussion: Discussion of the results focuses on understanding how microaffirmations operate to complicate binary notions of gender/sex and positively influence nonbinary transgender individuals in interpersonal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microaffirmations are small, interpersonal interactions that communicate validation for an identity. The present study focuses on transgender microaffirmations received from romantic partners. Participants included 339 self-identified transgender adults in a romantic relationship (currently or within the past 5 years). Participants were recruited via social media and snowball sampling and took an online survey detailing their experiences in romantic relationships. Participant responses were analyzed via thematic analysis, resulting in seven relationship-salient themes: (1) acknowledging and using cisgender privilege, (2) centering on partner's identity, (3) affirming gender(less) presentation, (4) helping partner process identity, (5) seeking permission, (6) using affirming language, and (7) acknowledging milestones. Findings emphasize the importance of positive aspects of romantic relationships. Implications for working with transgender clients are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, sexual abuse prevention efforts have largely focused on tertiary prevention strategies designed to prevent recidivism among forensic samples of men with a history of sex offending behavior. The present study used mixed methodology to investigate the role of several forensic and related factors on the decision not to commit a sex offense among two groups of community men who self-reported a sexual attraction to children: those who reported a history of acting on their attractions (Acted, n = 29) and those who reported never acting on their attractions (Not Acted, n = 71). Participants from both groups described in their own words the factors that contributed to their decision not to act on their attractions. They also responded to quantitative and qualitative questions regarding the influence and role of the following factors on their decision not to act: (a) the possibility of jail or punishment, (b) mental health treatment, and (c) not wanting to hurt the child. Results were compared across groups, and across prompted and unprompted responses. Analyses highlighted harm to the child as a particularly salient factor in the decision not to act among men in the community at risk for sexually offending. The present study suggests that investigating potential protective factors may be an important direction for future research among samples of community men at risk for both first-time and repeat offenses against children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conceptualization and measurement of sexual orientation for transgender individuals is uniquely complicated by the way sexual orientation is rooted in dichotomous notions of sex and gender. The present research investigates the conceptualization of sexual orientation among transgender individuals by exploring the sexual identity labels they choose, the descriptions they provide for these labels, and their general descriptions of their sexuality. Participants included 172 adult U.S. residents, ranging in age from 18 to 65, who self-identified as transgender, transsexual, gender variant, or having a transgender history. Participants individually completed an online survey. Qualitative responses were analyzed via thematic analysis. Six themes were identified related to transgender individuals' descriptions of their sexuality: (1) trans sexuality as complex; (2) shifts in trans sexuality; (3) focus on beloved; (4) relationship style and status; (5) sexuality, bondage & discipline / domination & submission / sadism & masochism (BDSM), and kink; and (6) separating sexual and romantic attraction. Discussion focuses on the ways that transgender individuals' descriptions of sexuality fall outside the traditional research frameworks that problematize transgender experience, conflate gender identity and sexual orientation, and inherently define transgender experience in both cisnormative and heteronormative terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated responses of sexual minority individuals to two sexual orientation scales regarding how well the scales capture their sexuality. Participants were self-identified sexual minorities (including lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, fluid, and asexual) who represented a range of gender identities. Using thematic analysis, three themes were identified related to the conceptualization of sexual orientation, and three for its measurement. Themes for conceptualization were comprehensiveness, dichotomies, and beyond sex and gender. Themes related to measurement were measurement structure, terminology, and response mode. Discussion focuses on considerations for scale development to better capture experiences of sexual minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. This study highlights the experiences of trans* individuals in regard to the use of gendered language by their medical providers. A total of 20 individual interviews were conducted with trans*-identified individuals. Thematic analysis was used to analyze participants' responses. Participants discussed both positive and negative experiences with gendered language in a health care setting. Four primary themes emerged through their experiences that were then used to develop recommendations for providers interested in improving the health care of trans* individuals: (a) medical forms; (b) insurance sex versus gender identity; (c) binary language; and (d) whole person, well-being care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on understanding disclosure of transgender identity within the context of friendship. Participants were 536 individuals who self-identified as transgender or gender variant. Participants completed an online questionnaire regarding friendship experiences. Thematic analysis focused on understanding experiences of identity disclosure to friends. Participants reported positive and negative experiences associated with the identity disclosure process, with responses falling into five distinct categories: positive or affirming responses, negative responses, a variation of responses, an impact on the friendship status, and emotional responses from friends. Within these five theme categories, distinct subcategories were apparent including responses that reflected support, physical violence, gaining or losing friends, and friends being unsurprised or not caring about the disclosure. These findings point to the ways in which the friendship experiences for transgender individuals are complex and unique. Clinical implications for understanding the needs of clients regarding disclosure of transgender identity and status to friends are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]