The experience of navigating sexuality for transgender and gender non-conforming people: a meta-ethnographic review

AbstractBackground The current research builds on a previous review of the literature which explored sexuality during gender transition. There has been increased attention toward TGNC people across academic, political, and healthcare fields since the previous review, as well as shifts in language use and health interventions, justifying a need for more contemporary understandings.Aim The current systematic review explores the experience of sexuality during gender transition.Methods A meta-ethnography was conducted on 16 papers that focused specifically on TGNC people’s experiences of their sexualities.Results The main findings were the intersection of gender and sexuality; the importance of re-writing labels around sexuality, bodies and relationships; (re)negotiating changes in sexual, romantic and/or physical relationships due to transitioning; and changes in a sense of community and belonging.Discussion The results have implications for supporting TGNC people navigating their identities by recognizing the multiple and intersecting levels of influence within which they are situated.Keywords: Meta-ethnographysexualitytransgendertransition Disclosure statementThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.Data availability statementThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Dr Alastair Pipkin, upon reasonable request.Additional informationFundingThe author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.