(142) Gender Diversity among Dutch Youth: Prevalence, Treatment Desire and Sexual Wellbeing

Introduction Sex Under the Age of 25 is a large 5 yearly study conducted by Rutgers and Soa Aids Netherlands, examining trends in the sexual health and gender diversity of Dutch adolescents and young adults aged 13-25. Objective This study investigates the experiences of cisgender and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents, allowing to compare sexual development, (consensual and non-consensual) experiences and health between cisgender and TGD youth. Furthermore, gender related medical treatment (GRMT) receipt or desire was asked for, allowing to examine how sexual wellbeing relates to different needs and stages in GRMT. Methods Adolescents aged 13 to 16 years were recruited via the second, third, and fourth years of secondary education, while those aged 17 to 25 years were selected through the population register. All participants completed an online survey addressing various aspects of sexual health, including sexual experiences and satisfaction, with outcomes compared between cisgender and TGD youth. Results A total of 10,620 adolescents aged 13–25 years participated in the study. Of the participants, 0.7% were categorized as transgender and 2.5% as gender diverse based on what gender they felt like, with 2.4% of male-assigned youth and 4.3% of female-assigned youth identifying as TGD. Thirteen percent of TGD youth had undergone 1+ form of GRMT, while 42% of those that did not have GRMT expressed no desire for this. TGD youth were slightly less likely to have been in love or had recent sex. They had experienced more sexual violence and sexual problems, as well as lower sexual satisfaction compared to cisgender peers. Conclusions This study examined prevalence of TGD experiences and GRMT trajectories, and compared sexual wellbeing of cisgender youth with TGD youth in the Netherlands, revealing few differences in relationships and sexual experiences, but highlighting higher rates of sexual violence, problems, and lower sexual satisfaction in TGD youth. These outcomes contribute to inclusive sexual education for all adolescents, and evidence-based and trauma-informed gender healthcare. Disclosure No