The meaning of sexual orientation in the lives of transgender people. Systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

Background

The literature emphasizes the importance of sexual orientation in the self-identification and decision-making processes related to diagnosis and gender affirmation among transgender individuals. A deeper understanding of these relations can be attained by synthesizing qualitative studies that explore the personal meanings transgender individuals attribute to their sexual orientation.

Aims

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature investigating the meaning of sexual orientation in the lives of transgender people.

Methods

Original studies published on PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, and Web of Science between 2010 and 2020 were examined. Fourteen qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Each of them was analyzed using a thematic synthesis method to identify key themes.

Results

The thematic synthesis revealed that sexual orientation interplays with gender identity at individual, relational, and social levels, while transgender people often report confusion between the two and the influence of one identity on the development of the other.

Discussion

The findings both inform future research directions and have clinical implications, such as increasing awareness of the interrelated influence of sexual orientation and gender identity. Clinicians should approach the labels adopted by patients as possibly subject to change, supporting clients in their self-exploration process.

Keywords:

• Gender identity
• qualitative research
• sexual orientation
• systematic review
• transgender

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Not applicable.

Additional information

Funding

This research was financed by the internal competition No. 3/2020/2021 for the funding of research projects at the Institute of Psychology of the SWPS University of Humanities and Social Sciences from funds allocated as a subvention by the Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education.