"He Helped Me in Discovering Myself." Rethinking and Exploring Sexual and Gender Identity in Trans-Inclusive Relationships

J Sex Marital Ther. 2023;49(2):208-228. doi: 10.1080/0092623X.2022.2092568. Epub 2022 Jun 27.

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the effects of being in a relationship with a transgender or non-binary (TGNB) person on an individual's sexual and/or gender identity. To this aim, the responses of 107 partners of TGNB individuals to the following open-ended question were collected: "What effect, if any, has having a relationship with a transgender person had on your gender and/or sexual identity?." Through thematic analysis, 4 overarching themes emerged from the participants' responses: 1) No reason to change; 2) Exploration and changes; 3) New perspective; and 4) Negative effects and confusion. Overall, this study suggests that being in a relationship with a TGNB person may prompt a reflection on the concept of sexual and gender identity, and an exploration of one's own identity, which is usually experienced as positive, but may also be a source of distress for the individual and/or the couple. Also, in many other cases, the relationship has been observed to have no effect on the partner's identity, due to a number of reasons. These findings constitute a relevant addition to the understanding of couple's dynamics in trans-including couples.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transgender Persons*
  • Transsexualism*