EEN DUBBEL GEVOEL - Rutgers WPF

Een dubbel gevoel Rutgers WPF, 2012
Summary
Transgenders are people whose present gender expression or gender identity does not
correspond with the sex that was attributed at their birth based on their bodily features.
Consequently, before possible transition transgender people feel that the relation between
body and gender identity differs from what cisgenders feel (people who are not transgender).
Since sexuality is experienced with the body and is closely related to gender and sexual
identity, we may assume that transgender people experience their sexuality differently. How
transgenders experience sexuality has hardly ever been subject of research. This qualitative
pilot study among twelve transgenders tentatively explores factors that play a role in
experiencing sexual feelings, and gives suggestions for further research. Furthermore, it
assesses what kind of information is available to transgenders and what information they need.
Next to interviews with twelve transgenders, an expert meeting was organised with eleven
professionals working in the field of health care, social services, policy making and research.
Experiencing sexuality often evokes mixed feelings among transgenders. On the one hand they
experience pleasurable sensations and feelings of intimacy that sex can bring about, while on
the other hand their body or gender role does not fit and evokes aversion or fear of losing
control. Experience of sexuality seemed especially affected by three aspects of being
transgender. First, participants experienced a certain distance between their self-image, their
body and/or gender role. This incongruency interfered with their enjoyment of sex, in
particular before and during transition. After transition and/or medical treatment these
feelings tended to disappear, but with part of FtMs (males born female) these slightly remained
because of certain limitations of sex reassignment surgery of FtMs. Feelings of incongruence
expressed themselves in ambivalent feelings and in sexual problems with regard to sexual
desire and arousal. Strategies to reduce inconvenience were avoiding, reducing or limiting
sexual contact, manipulating thoughts and feelings and re-interpret one’s body.
The second theme was the effects of sex reassignment surgery. Hormonal treatment strongly
affected frequency, strength and quality of sexual desire, arousal, sensitivity and orgasm. FtMs
perceived an increase, MtFs a decrease, but they both attributed these changes to the fact
that they were approaching the physical functioning of the desired sex. FtMs felt this to be a
positive development, though MtFs were rather ambivalent, since they felt that having reduced
desire was also a loss.
The extent of sensitivity of the sex organs and satisfaction after surgery differed and could be
partly attributed to different surgical techniques. Sex reassignment surgery required
adjustment and it took some time to be able to sexually enjoy the sex organs again. Medical
complications could also play a part. Satisfaction about sexual functioning after surgery
depended first and foremost on the extent to which sexual pleasure could be experienced.
Whether the interviewed persons felt that the functioning of their sex organs was similar to
that of cisgenders of their identified sex was another influencing factor and the extent to
which they attached importance to that fact.
The third theme was an impeded sexual development. Many participants, in particular those
who had had their coming out later in life, felt they had skipped certain stages in their sexual
development. They encountered problems in exploring their sexual lusts and limits and in
discussing these with their (sexual) partners. They also often lacked knowledge. During and
after transition they tended to try and make up for lost opportunities in their sexual
development. This was often felt as a positive and liberating experience. At the same time,
new problems would occur that led to disappointment and dissatisfaction.