Let’s get it on: an exploration of hookups for trans men/masculine people

Popular culture and the media suggest that many trans people engage in casual sexual hookups. However, from an academic perspective, there is limited research examining how the trans masculine community navigates and experiences hookup culture. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, this qualitative study explored in-depth experiences of 8 trans masculine individuals and how they navigate safety and affirmation while engaging in hookups. Participants shared their hookup experiences overall, including how they met potential hookup partners. The first emerging theme was boundaries during hookups, participants described communication, sexual boundaries, practicing safe sex, and sharing location. The second emerging theme included affirming behaviors during hookups, participants described language, post-operative gender affirming lower surgeries, and cultural shifts. This study demonstrates the necessity for safety and affirmation during hookups. The study also highlights that sex positivity includes validating identity, increasing visibility, and building community through resiliency.