HRT and Changing Your Sexuality While You Transition | MTF Transgender
Transitioning from one gender to another is a monumental life change on many levels. For some transgender individuals, it also involves a shift in sexual attraction and orientation.
Undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) frequently catalyzes and coincides with these changes.
In this article, we discuss HRT and Changing Your Sexuality While You Transition.
Why Sexuality Can Change During Transition
There are several reasons transitioning may alter who and what someone finds romantically and sexually appealing:
- Hormonal changes - Estrogen or testosterone therapy impacts the brain, body, emotions, and behaviors. This can affect how trans individuals experience attraction.
- Embracing identity - Transitioning allows people to embrace their gender identity. This fuels living authentically rather than conforming to others' expectations.
- Self-perception - How one views oneself, their body, their role in relationships, and their sexuality can transform during transition.
- Social factors - After transitioning, dating, and relating as one's true gender changes social dynamics and connections.
- Inner transphobia/homophobia - Absorbed societal prejudice may cause resistance to same-sex attractions. Acceptance and self-love help overcome this.
The Prevalence of Shifting Sexuality
In a 2015 study of 452 transgender participants, 49% of transmasculine and 64% of trans-feminine individuals reported a major change in sexuality after transitioning.
The study found transitioning caused a two-point shift on the seven-point Kinsey scale for many, indicating a significant change in sexual orientation.
Key Areas of Change
Some key areas where sexuality commonly evolves during transition include:
- Gender(s) of attraction
- Romantic vs. sexual attraction
- Desire for different sexual roles/dynamics
- Comfort with bodily intimacy
- Libido and intensity of attractions
- Dysphoria over certain sex acts
An Ongoing Process of Discovery
Sexuality and gender intersect in complex ways. The process of integrating one's identity, attractions, and transition does not happen overnight.
It often involves ongoing self-exploration, dismantling internalized biases, embracing fluidity, and allowing one's true self to emerge.
Rather than forcing oneself into boxes, honoring what feels most authentic and energetically aligned for one's evolving self is crucial. This can unlock great freedom to live at one's fullest expression.
Seeking Support
Remember that sexual changes during transition are common, though not universal. There are supportive communities and mental health professionals who understand.
Transitioning opens the door to profound personal growth. With compassion and courage, trans individuals can discover and celebrate who they were always meant to be.
HRT and Changing Your Sexuality While You Transition: Summary
In conclusion, transitioning from one gender to another is a significant life change that can also involve a shift in sexual attraction and orientation.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can catalyze and coincide with these changes, and there are several reasons why this may happen, including hormonal changes, embracing one's identity, and self-perception.
The prevalence of shifting sexuality is high, with many transgender individuals experiencing a major change in their sexuality after transitioning. The study found that transitioning caused a two-point shift on the seven-point Kinsey scale for many, indicating a significant change in sexual orientation.
The process of integrating one's identity, attractions, and transition is an ongoing one, and it often involves ongoing self-exploration, dismantling internalized biases, embracing fluidity, and allowing one's true self to emerge.
It is important to remember that sexual changes during transition are common, though not universal, and there are supportive communities and mental health professionals who understand. With compassion and courage, trans individuals can discover and celebrate who they were always meant to be.