Navigating normative terrain. Young trans women’s narratives about gender, body and sexuality in Sweden

Cult Health Sex. 2026 Oct 21:1-14. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2026.2743813. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Despite growing research on transgender lives, adolescents’ own perspectives remain less clearly understood. This qualitative study explored how young trans women experience sexual subjectivity in relation to embodiment, recognition, and gender-affirming hormone treatment. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with trans women aged 16-19 who initiated oestrogen treatment before or shortly after turning 18. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants evaluated their womanhood in relation to cisgender women’s bodies and described fears of rejection and disclosure. Being desired by men could affirm femininity, whereas fear of rejection led some to avoid dating or sex, and genital dysphoria restricted sexual touch. Oestrogen-related bodily changes reduced dysphoria and increased bodily comfort. Sexual desire became less frequent and intrusive and, for some, more responsive to the presence of another person. Fertility decisions reflected whether genetic parenthood could be reconciled with identifying as a mother. Sexual well-being was linked to bodily comfort and recognition as a woman. Oestrogen reduced dysphoria and altered sexual desire but did not remove concerns about rejection, disclosure or stigma. Gender-affirming care should include conversations about sexual boundaries and disclosure, changes in desire and intimacy, partner relationships, and how fertility options relate to desired parental roles.

PMID:42904732 | DOI:10.1080/13691058.2026.2743813