Safer Sex for Trans Bodies (Palmisano, 2021)

Abstract

This is a safer sex guide for transgender and gender expansive people, and for our partners and lovers. When it comes to sex, there’s a serious lack of resources available to trans people that talk about our bodies and our needs in a relatable and respectful way. We decided to make a guide, specifically for trans and gender expansive people, that helps answer questions about safer sex. This guide isn’t all about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and condoms—inside, you’ll find information about sex during and after transition, ways to talk to your partner(s) (romantic, casual and transactional) about sex and suggestions for exploring your own sexuality, whether you have many partners, one partner, or you’re going solo.

Notes

We use the word “trans” to include people who might call themselves any of these words: transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, nonbinary, female (MTF), male (FTM), cross-dresser, agender, two-spirit and many more. (p. 2)

TRANS: Anyone and everyone who feels they are part of the transgender community, including folks who identify outside of the gender binary. Being trans does not necessarily mean that you have had surgery, want to transition or use specific pronouns. It’s all about how you understand yourself. (p. 3)

TRANSFEMININE: Anyone who was assigned male at birth and now identifies with femininity. (p. 3)

TRANSMASCULINE: Anyone who was assigned female at birth and now identifies with masculinity. (p. 3)

PARTS: We use this word when we’re talking about genitals or sexual anatomy of any kind. (p. 3)

• see also: safeword