Sex beyond the binary: an exploratory analysis of non-binary sexuality and partnerships

Abstract

Non-binary identities are often overlooked in quantitative sex research. This explorative study focused on the sexuality and partnerships of non-binary people. The analysis addressed three primary topics: the characteristics of non-binary people’s sexual experiences, demographic factors linked to sexual well-being and relationship satisfaction, and differences between non-binary and binary trans/cisgender individuals. Eight hundred and twenty-two participants (462 non-binary, 129 binary trans and 231 cisgender individuals) took part. 60% of non-binary individuals identified as autistic and 40% reported chronic health conditions or physical disabilities. Regression analyses were performed with sexual wellbeing, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction as dependent variables and demographics, transition status and minoritised identities as independent variables. Among the non-binary subsample, being autistic, being asexual, being in a relationship and transition status were associated with higher sexual well-being, while sexual fluidity and living with chronic health conditions were linked to lower sexual well-being. Sexual fluidity was associated with lower sexual and relationship satisfaction. Non-binary and binary trans individuals reported lower sexual satisfaction and wellbeing than cisgender individuals. Results highlight the importance of examining overlapping minoritised identities in non-binary populations and call for further investigation into the connections between sexual fluidity, autism, asexuality, and sexual outcomes to improve understanding of non-binary people’s sexual experiences.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Fraedan Mastrantonio: orcid.org/0000-0002-9348-5427

ORCID for Hanna Kovshoff: orcid.org/0000-0001-6041-0376

ORCID for Heather L. Armstrong: orcid.org/0000-0002-1071-8644

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