Resources for Transgender, Genderqueer, Agender, Nonbinary & Asexual Communities

Transgender people may face unique challenges in their sex lives. If you’ve had gender-affirming surgery, you might be interested in how to have pleasurable sex with your body changes. Organizations including the Human Rights Campaign, Fenway Health, Kimberly Keiser and Associates and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have information that may be helpful.

Many times, asexuality (sometimes abbreviated as the word Ace) can be confused with lack of desire for sex. The Asexuality Visibility and Education Network provides online forums and educational resources for the asexual community. PFLAG and the Human Rights Campaign provide definitions as well.

Resources for Aging and Sexuality

Resources for Survivors of Trauma and Abuse

Resources for Self-Education

Resources for Partner Communication

Resources for Parenting and Sex

Books:

This collection of resources provides general and additional information on sex, sexual health, and sexuality.

  • Our Bodies, Ourselves – Boston Women’s Health Book Collective
  • S.E.X.: the all-you-need-to-know sexuality guide to get you through your teens and twenties – Heather Corrina
  • Pleasure Activism – Adrienne Maree Brown
  • Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life – Justin Lehmiller
  • The Game of Desire – Shan Boodram
  • Not Always in the Mood – Sarah Hunter Murray
  • Better Sex Through Mindfulness – Lori Brotto
  • Come As You Are – Emily Nagoski
  • Becoming Cliterate – Laurie Mintz

Resources to Help Understand Your Concerns

This section provides more detailed information on specific concerns you may have, along with links to helpful resources. We have laid out these concerns based on whether you have a vagina/vulva or penis. We do this because the treatments, resources, and the types of providers who respond to these concerns are typically recommended based on gender and/or body parts. 

Sexual Concerns for People with Vagina/Vulva

  • Lack of orgasm/orgasm difficulties. Orgasms vary in intensity and frequency for people who experience them. But, the inability to orgasm can cause distress and may interfere with a relationship. There are many resources that can help you understand this concern, and reach an orgasm by yourself or with a partner(s): 
  • Vaginal dryness can be frustrating, but it’s something you can manage. While people can experience this concern at any age, it’s most common in those who have gone through menopause. Using a water-based lubricant can help address vaginal dryness; however, if the concern persists it could mean you are experiencing vaginal atrophy. You can seek help from a medical professional, who can prescribe other treatments. To learn more about vaginal dryness, you can check out these resources:

Sexual Concerns for People with a Penis

  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is one of the most talked about types of sexual dysfunction for people with a penis. It means you can’t get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Having trouble with an erection from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But, if this is an ongoing issue, it’s a good idea to speak with a medical professional. The following resources provide more information on ED:
  • Premature ejaculation occurs when you ejaculate (come) sooner during sex than you or your partner(s) would like. Like ED, premature ejaculation can happen from time to time, and is only a cause for concern if it happens often or is having a negative effect on your sex life. The following resources explain what premature ejaculation is:
  • Delayed or inhibited ejaculation is when a person takes an extended period of time to ejaculate (come) or does not ejaculate after sexual pleasure at all. Causes include lack of interest in sex, performance anxiety, or certain medications. However, this can also happen when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A medical professional can help address the concern if it is inhibiting your sex life. You can learn more here: