Gay, Bi, and Queer Trans Men Navigating Sexual Fields

• In Event: 563 - Regular Session. Sociology of Sexuality: Sexualities in Interaction

Abstract

Throughout the process of socially and medically transitioning gender and sex, trans men learn to navigate their pre-existing and emerging attractions, as well as the potentially unfamiliar sexual fields in which they may find sexual partners. This paper draws on interviews with 40 trans men who have sex with men in Ontario, Canada as part of a community-based study focused on HIV vulnerability and/or resilience among trans men who have sex with men. Informed by sexual field theory, we inductively analyzed participant accounts of strategies for meeting sexual partners and navigating physical and virtual sexual spaces. The primary distinction drawn by trans men in interview was between gay and queer sexual fields. Specific websites for seeking sex, and Craigslist in particular, also emerged as important fields with their own internal logics and sexual opportunity structures for trans men. Sexual field choice was heavily impacted by social and medical transition status and comfort with disclosing trans status. For instance, gay sexual fields were often inaccessible to men earlier in transition, while online fields provided sexual opportunities for those who experienced challenges with disclosing in-person. Participant narratives highlighted the interplay of personal and sociohistorical transitions-- including accessing medical transition technologies, the rise of virtual sexual fields, and increasing trans male visibility—in producing rapidly changing sexual opportunity structures for trans men. Comfort and success navigating these structures to meet personal goals (e.g. sex, relationships) varied, with many reporting some degree of satisficing to balance the potentials for pleasure and risk.

Authors

• Ayden I Scheim, University of Western Ontario

• Barry D. Adam, University of Windsor

• Zack Marshall, Memorial University-Newfoundland