Despite the growing interest in the experiences of transgender individuals, the phenomenon of fetishization of transgender bodies and identities has been overlooked. The present study was aimed at investigating the experiences of fetishization of transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) people. Participants in the current study represent a sample of 142 TGNB volunteers from the community who answered the prompt: “If you feel comfortable, could you describe your experience of being fetishized?” Using thematic analysis, we developed three overarching themes relevant to the experiences of fetishization of TGNB participants: (1) context of fetishization; (2) negative experiences of fetishization; and (3) positive or ambiguous experiences of fetishization. The results demonstrated that, in most cases, fetishization was understood by TGNB people as a negative experience of sexual objectification, although some individuals experienced fetishization as a positive experience, perceiving the sexual desire of the other person or living it as a kink. Consistent with the integrated theory of dehumanization, the results demonstrated that both sexual objectification and minority stress contributed to participants’ understanding of fetishization for TGNB individuals. Implications for clinical work with TGNB individuals are discussed.

The study aims to explore the personality patterns of a group of transgender individuals who accessed an Italian gender clinic to undergo gender affirming treatments, by evaluating both dimensional personality domains proposed by the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders and categorical DSM-IV personality disorder (PD) diagnoses. Eighty-seven participants (40 transgender women and 47 transgender men) completed the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II personality disorders. Scores obtained were compared to those of the normative samples of cisgender women and men. Results indicated that transgender women scored lower than cisgender women on two main domains (Negative Affectivity and Psychoticism) and on seven facets. As for transgender men, lower scores than cisgender men were found on Antagonism and on five facets. Transgender men scored higher than cisgender men on Depressivity. Nearly 50% of participants showed at least one PD diagnosis, with no gender differences in prevalence. Borderline PD was the most frequent diagnosis in the overall sample. Self-report measures provide a less maladaptive profile of personality functioning than the clinician-based categorical assessment. Results are interpreted in the light of the Minority Stress Model and support the need for a multi-method assessment of personality in medicalized transgender people.

Although mental health disparities for transgender individuals are well documented, a number of obstacles exist for receiving affirming therapy. To provide an understanding of transgender peoples’ help-seeking experiences, the present study aimed to investigate their positive experiences of identity microaffirmations within a therapeutic relationship. Sixty-four transgender participants answered an open-ended question online regarding their experience of gender identity–based affirmations in therapy. Using thematic analysis, responses were evaluated and four main themes were identified: (1) absence of microaggressions, (2) acknowledging cisnormativity, (3) disrupting cisnormativity, and (4) seeing authentic gender. Implications for therapeutic work with transgender clients are discussed.

Objectives: The study investigates how trans masculine and nonbinary individuals describe the use of their bodies during sexual activities. Methods: Three hundred and sixty-one trans masculine and nonbinary individuals were asked to describe their use of body during sex through an online survey. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Eleven subthemes emerged that were organized in 4 overarching themes: Relational Factors; Behavioral Factors; Sexual Roles; and Transgender Related Factors. Some differences emerged between trans masculine and nonbinary participants. Conclusions: Although some of our participants described a lack of sexual activity, our participants overall described a wide range of activities.

Introduction: Stereotypes around sex and gender have played an important role in shaping experiences of discrimination and social injustice for trans individuals. In addition, trans identities have been historically associated with sexual deviance and pathology in the psychomedical literature. In the present study, we investigated stereotypes associated with trans people’s sexuality. Methods: We recruited 297 transmasculine and nonbinary individuals for an online study. In an open-ended question, participants were asked to describe stereotypes they have encountered regarding the sex lives of trans people they felt were inaccurate. Results: Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes: (1) deviance; (2) discomfort with trans sexuality as stigmatizing; (3) stereotypes based on gender; and (4) absence of stereotyping. Conclusion: Results highlight the ways trans sexuality is exoticized. Findings also underscore that sexual stereotyping of trans individuals is, at times, based on assigned sex and, at other times, based on gender identity. Policy Implications: Stereotypes, particularly those related to sexuality, may seem harmless, but they can have far-reaching consequences on interpersonal relationships and societal systems. Challenging stereotypes in policies and social environments is crucial for promoting inclusivity and community welfare.