“I wouldn't have felt so alone”: The sexual health education experiences of transgender and gender diverse youth living in the southeastern United States

Abstract Background Transgender and gender diverse youth experience multiple disproportionate adverse sexual health outcomes. Sexual health education teaches knowledge, attitudes, and skills for promoting sexual health, including reducing risk for sexually transmitted infection, HIV acquisition, and unintended pregnancy. Provision of sexual health education may be protective, but research remains scarce. Methods We conducted a multi‐stage thematic analysis of 33 in‐depth interviews among transgender and gender diverse youth (ages 15–24) living in the southeastern United States on their sexual health education experiences. Results Our study participants described school‐based sexual health education as unhelpful due to a lack of relevant information, inadequately prepared teachers, and a perceived negative tone toward sexuality. They reported relying on online sources of sexual health information, finding relevant content and community despite some limitations. Participants desired content and pedagogy that expands beyond binary and white‐centric presentations of sexuality and gender and sought resources that provide relevant, accurate, and judgment‐free information while holding positive framing around sexuality and gender. Conclusion There is much work needed to improve the breadth, quality, and relevance of school‐based sexual health education. Sexual health education can improve by strengthening critical media literacy skills of youth; raising staff cultural competency on gender, race, and sexual identity through training and supports; using culturally relevant and inclusive curricula; and partnering with community‐based organizations. Transgender and gender diverse youth would benefit from sexual health education from multiple sources which is queer‐friendly, affirms their existence, and provides information on gender, race, and sexuality in positive and expansive ways.