Abstract
ABSTRACT First sex is an important event in an individual’s sexual development. Previous literature has, however, primarily investigated first heterosexual sex, overlooking important contextual factors specific to same-sex/gender sexual experiences. Seventeen in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority (LGB+) individuals, ages 18–23 years. Four themes emerged from thematic analysis of reported thoughts, affect, and behavior. First, participants reported difficulty defining sex between same-sex/gender partners, especially women who reported that this undermined their personal relationships and identity. Second, participants met partners through several means; however, it was almost exclusively men who reported meeting their first partners online. Third, motivations for first same sex/gender sex included affirmation of personal sexual identity, sexual exploration, social expectation, and spontaneity. Fourth, participants felt underprepared for their first same-sex/gender sex, noting that their earlier sex and relationship education had not included information on same-sex/gender sex or LGB+ identities. Consequently, participants reported relying on experienced partners and seeking information on the internet, including pornography and social media. Greater cultural representation and more comprehensive sex education that recognizes sexual diversity is needed to better prepare LGB+ young people for early sexual encounters.
Highlights
Contextual Factors for First Sex and Associated OutcomesFirst sex, typically referring to the first sexual intercourse, is considered to be an important event in an individual’s sexual development (e.g., Barnett & Moore, 2017; Higgins et al, 2010; Reissing et al, 2012)
Sexual debut has historically been the primary focus of much sexual health research; this research has typically been based on moralistic norms surrounding the dangers of premarital sex (Carpenter, 2002; Hitchens & James, 1965; Palmer et al, 2017)
The experiences of those who engage in sex with same-sex/gender partners and those exploring their sexual identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another sexual minority (LGB+) have been excluded
Summary
Contextual Factors for First Sex and Associated OutcomesFirst sex, typically referring to the first sexual intercourse, is considered to be an important event in an individual’s sexual development (e.g., Barnett & Moore, 2017; Higgins et al, 2010; Reissing et al, 2012). This study contributes to the understanding of first sexual experi ences and sexual debut by exploring how LGB+ individuals navigate their early experiences with same-sex/gender part ners, whilst identifying potential barriers to safe and satisfying first same-sex/gender sex and additional factors that may impact subsequent sexual development. Corre lates of sexual competence at first sex have been identified for heterosexual populations, including age, socioeconomic sta tus, educational attainment, ethnicity, sex education, and relationship status (Palmer et al, 2019). These cri teria have been exclusively assessed for first heterosexual intercourse, and correlates of sexual competence have not been explored with LGB+ populations nor in relation to the
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