First time sexual experiences of sexual minority adolescent girls in the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cisgender sexual minority girls report an earlier average age at first sex than cisgender heterosexual girls, but little is known about these first experiences with sex. As part of a larger study to develop a sexual health intervention for cisgender sexual minority girls, this analysis explored the context of first sexual experiences of 48 cisgender, sexually experienced, sexual minority girls ages 14 to 18 years in four online focus groups. We used qualitative description to explore with whom girls had their first sex, where it took place, and the context surrounding the experience. Our findings documented both thoughtful intended first sex in committed and intimate friend relationships, and casual, unintended experiences influenced by alcohol, in parental homes and outdoor settings, and provide brief glimpses into the first experiences for sexual minority cisgender girls. They can provide a starting point for sexual health education content that is more inclusive of sexual orientation, and support sexual minority girls’ knowledge of how to have safe, enjoyable, and positive sexual experiences.