Trans and gender-diverse people’s experiences of sexuality and relationships education: Lessons from research and implications for practice

Background: The experiences of trans and gender-diverse (hereafter, trans) people are frequently overlooked in sexuality and relationships education, despite the particular needs and challenges trans people may encounter in sexual, dating and relationship contexts. In response to gaps in formal education, trans people often draw on multiple other sources of knowledge, including healthcare practitioners, the internet, peers and romantic partners. Objective: This narrative review examines trans people’s experiences of sexuality and romantic relationships, the formal and informal sources through which sexuality and relationship knowledge is generated, and the implications for health education practice. Approach: Drawing on a narrative review of relevant literature, we consider evidence concerning trans people’s sexual and romantic experiences and the ways knowledge is acquired through school-based education, healthcare, family, peers, partners and online environments. Particular attention is given to variation within trans communities, including the experiences of non-binary people. Key findings: Formal sexuality education frequently remains cisheteronormative and insufficiently responsive to trans people’s bodies, identities, relationships and sexual-health needs. As a result, informal sources of education can become particularly important, although their accessibility, quality and affirming nature vary. Across the literature, greater trans inclusion, practitioner and educator competence, and community-informed educational content are consistently indicated as priorities. Conclusion: Sexuality and relationships education should better reflect the heterogeneity of trans lives and recognise that health education occurs across formal, interpersonal, clinical, and digital settings. More inclusive, evidence-based and community-informed approaches are needed to support trans people’s sexual and relational well-being.