“I was largely unguided trying to figure it out on my own”: experiences of genital tucking among transfeminine and gender diverse individuals

Abstract

Background Genital tucking, defined as the use of any nonsurgical method to reduce the appearance of the penis and/or testes to align with one’s gender expression, is a common gender-affirming practice among transfeminine and gender diverse (TFGD) individuals. However, little is known about TFGD individuals’ experiences of genital tucking beyond limited research on its fertility impacts. Aims This study aims to better understand TFGD individuals’ experiences of tucking, focusing specifically on the factors influencing TFGD individuals’ tucking practices and the health impacts of tucking on TFGD communities. Materials and Methods Participants were administered a 3-part online survey collecting: (1) Demographic information, (2) Information about gender-affirming care, and (3) Information about tucking practices. The survey included both closed-ended and open-ended questions. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Descriptive statistics were generated for closed-ended questions. Results Ninety-nine TFGD individuals (M age = 32.35 years, Range = 20–72 years) completed the survey. Four main themes were developed through analysis of participant responses: (1) Dysphoria as a motivation for tucking; (2) Information-seeking through online trans community; (3) Mixed satisfaction with tucking methods, materials, and practices; and (4) The overlooked health implications of tucking. Discussion Healthcare providers have an obligation to support TFGD individuals in developing safe tucking practices, which necessitates increased understanding of the relationship between tucking and dysphoria, awareness of the online community resources currently informing TFGD individuals’ tucking practices, and commitment to developing affirming spaces for TFGD individuals to discuss the impacts of tucking on their health.