Existing scholarship studying personal definitions of ‘having sex’ overwhelmingly relies on a strict gender binary and the conformity of bodies to cisgender norms. The current study aims to expand upon existing scholarship by asking transgender and non-binary college students how they define ‘having sex’, and what factors influence their definition. The researchers conducted eight individual interviews, asking open-ended questions, and used qualitative analysis to identify insights and common themes. Findings illuminate how participants’ gender identities impact their sexual experiences. Notably, some participants based their definitions on the type of relationship or connection between them and their partner(s), while others used the actions performed, goals achieved, or simply the experience of sexual pleasure. The current study has implications for sex education curriculum, medical inquiry into sexual behavior, and improving how colleges support students’ sexual well-being.

Last modified

• 05/25/2023

Creator

• Morgan Willison

Contributors

• Eli Kean (advisor)

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-sh62-1j83

Keyword

• Expo

Resource type

• Presentation

Rights statement

• No Known Copyright