Sexual wellbeing in trans youth: a scoping review

Background Young trans and gender diverse individuals face considerable sexual health disparities, yet little is understood about how trans youth can feel positive about their sexual lives.Method We examined existing literature through a sex-positive framework of sexual wellbeing. Databases were searched for publications examining sexual matters related to trans youth aged 10-25. Relevant segments of text from 231 eligible records were categorized into dimensions of sexual wellbeing.Results Our findings reveal a disproportionate emphasis on sexual safety, with limited exploration of positive sexuality factors such as pleasure and self-esteem. We highlight considerable gaps in understanding how intersecting marginalized identities impact young trans people’s sexual wellbeing, and a lack of research on trans youth under 18 years.Conclusion Adopting sexual wellbeing as a guiding framework in future research can expand understanding of young trans people’s sexuality beyond biomedical factors and inform more holistic and effective interventions.