Sexes

Some studies have shown that the identities of asexual individuals can be devalued and invalidated through processes of dehumanization. However, research examining dehumanization and attitudes toward asexual parents remains scarce. Drawing on the dual model of dehumanization, this experimental study aimed to investigate the denial of traits associated with human nature (HN; denial of basic human emotions) and human uniqueness (HU; denial of a rational mind), as well as perceptions of parenting competence and warmth attributed to different maternal targets. It was hypothesized that asexual mothers would be judged more negatively on the HN dimension, but not on the HU dimension, compared to allosexual mothers. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that perceived behavior toward children, assessed in terms of warmth, would be associated with the denial of HN (but not HU) for asexual mothers. The study involved 298 participants (M_age = 35.97, SD = 15.04), who read one of three scenarios that were identical except for the sexual orientation of the mother: (1) heterosexual allosexual mother; (2) lesbian allosexual mother; and (3) asexual mother. Participants were then asked to evaluate the target with dehumanization measures and perceived parenting behaviors. Results showed that the asexual mother was perceived more negatively than all other targets across all variables. Moreover, parallel mediation analyses revealed that the perception of a lack of warmth in the asexual mother (compared to the other targets) was mediated by the denial of HN, but not HU. In contrast, both HN and HU were found to mediate judgments of parental competence. These findings provide initial evidence of stigma faced by asexual parents, highlighting the need for further research into the attitudes directed toward them. Full article

This study examines how Ontario’s Health and Physical Education curriculum addresses the needs of young adults with disabilities. A total of 54 individuals aged 18–35 years old with developmental, learning, or physical disabilities who had completed secondary school in Ontario participated in a cross-sectional mixed-methods survey. Participants were recruited through disability-focused community networks and a university psychology participant pool. They completed the Sex Education subscale of the Sexual Knowledge, Experience, Feelings and Needs Scale, a 35-item sexual knowledge questionnaire, and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests; qualitative responses were examined using thematic analysis. Participants reported limited factual knowledge, minimal classroom representation, and heavy reliance on independent learning. Barriers included inaccessible materials, teacher discomfort, and the absence of disability narratives in sexuality units. Findings point to three priorities: revising curriculum content, expanding educator training, and creating disability-affirming resources. These measures will help ensure comprehensive and rights-based sexuality education that supports the autonomy and well-being of students with disabilities. Full article

Sexual consent is one of the most important tools used in the prevention of sexual violence, for which adolescents are especially vulnerable. However, it is unclear how sexual consent processes are defined and used by this population. To bridge this gap in knowledge, this scoping review sought to identify and synthesize the existing empirical research findings on sexual consent conceptualizations and processes among adolescents, as well as determine critical gaps in knowledge. Forty-three articles were reviewed following a systematic search of six academic databases. Articles were included if they were original empirical work published in English between January 1990 and March 2020, included adolescents aged 10 to 17 in their sample, and specifically studied sexual consent conceptualization, communication, and/or behavior. Seventeen articles, diverse in study design and geography, met these criteria and were analyzed. The findings suggest a propensity for adolescents to abstractly define sexual consent as verbal and direct in nature while simultaneously espousing indirect and non-verbal behavioral processes when presented with “real life” scenarios (e.g., vignettes, reflections on personal experience). In addition, the results reveal the significance of concepts like gender norms, normative refusals, and silence as key aspects of adolescent sexual consent. This review demonstrates that research on sexual consent among adolescents is highly limited overall, and the findings that are available indicate some concerning perceptions. Full article

Purpose: This paper examines the differences between transgender persons who self-identify as bisexual (n = 4129) and those who self-identify as pansexual (n = 5056) when it comes to experiencing anti-transgender harassment, discrimination, and violence, serious psychological distress, and suicidal ideation. Methods: Data from the 2015 U.S. National Transgender Survey were used to evaluate the differences between bisexual and pansexual persons in a sample of transgender Americans aged 18 or older. The Kessler-6 scale assessed psychological distress, and a dichotomous measure of past-year suicidal ideation was used. A 20-item scale assessed the extent to which people experienced anti-transgender harassment, discrimination, and violence. Multivariate analysis and structural equation analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Compared to their bisexual counterparts, pansexual persons experienced more anti-transgender harassment, discrimination, and violence, were more likely to experience serious psychological distress, and were more likely to report suicidal ideation. A structural equation analysis revealed that the bisexual–pansexual distinction is important when understanding transgender persons’ likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation. It operates indirectly through its direct impact on the number of anti-transgender experiences incurred. Conclusions: Pansexual individuals fare more poorly than their bisexual counterparts on measures of anti-transgender experiences, serious psychological distress, and suicidal ideation. The bisexual–pansexual distinction is a meaningful one when trying to understand the transgender persons’ odds of thinking about dying by suicide. Full article

This article examines LGBTQI+ asylum claims in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The data are part of a larger study that has identified 520 LGBTQI+ claims in the U.S. Circuit of Appeals from 1994 to 2023. It focuses on examples from the 115 cases that were granted a review and analyzes the logic that U.S. Circuit Court justices use when deciding to grant a review of a petition that was denied by a lower court, such as the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and immigration courts. This article argues that the U.S. Circuit of Appeals contests lower court rulings from BIA and immigration court judges based on assumptions about credibility, discretion, persecution, and criminalization for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers. By granting reviews, the Circuit Courts provide an opening for the acceptance of queer asylum claims. Full article

Background: Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) encompasses a range of conditions that can profoundly impact quality of life and intimate relationships. The primary classifications of FSD include female sexual interest and arousal disorder (FSIAD), genitopelvic pain and penetration disorder (GPPPD), female orgasmic disorder (FOD), and substance or medication-induced sexual dysfunction (SM-ISD). Despite its prevalence, FSD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Objectives: This scoping review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluate the existing literature on both U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and off-label pharmacotherapies for FSD by study type, outcomes, and limitations. Eligibility Criteria: Eligible studies comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and cohort studies involving adult women (≥18 years) with any subtype of FSD. These studies assessed pharmacologic interventions against a comparator and reported at least one treatment efficacy outcome. Studies outside this scope were excluded. Sources of Evidence: A 25-year literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, reference lists of relevant articles, academic handbooks, and targeted journals. Charting Methods: Three independent reviewers screened and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Findings were organized into summary tables and categorized by pharmaceutical agent, pertinent study information, outcomes, and limitations. Results: A total of 44 human-based pharmacologic studies met inclusion criteria. FDA-approved agents were the most thoroughly studied pharmacotherapies. Hormonal, topical, and adjunctive agents demonstrated less robust evidence. Heterogeneity in outcome measures and inadequate long-term data were common limitations. Conclusions: Pharmacologic treatment for FSD shows promise but requires further research. Individualized, multifaceted care is essential for optimizing FSD outcomes. Full article

This article examines the impact of everyday life infrastructure on well-being through the lens of feminist economics, with a specific focus on gender disparities within the European context. Combining the capability approach (CA) and subjective well-being (SWB) theory, this study introduces a gender-sensitive well-being budget indicator, the Well-being and Infrastructure by Gender Index, or just WIGI, to assess the differential impacts of public expenditures on women and men. Drawing on feminist critiques of infrastructure planning, it highlights how gendered patterns of access and use shape experiences of well-being. The literature review synthesizes recent contributions on well-being measurement, gendered capabilities, and the role of public infrastructure in supporting everyday life. The research utilizes the Benefits of Gender Equality through infrastructure Provision (BGGEIP) survey from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) from 28 EU member states in 2015 to evaluate the contribution of key public services—such as transport, childcare, and healthcare—to individual capabilities and subjective well-being outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of integrating gender-sensitive methodologies into infrastructure planning and public policy to promote social inclusion and equitable well-being outcomes. This article concludes by advocating for feminist economics-informed policies to enhance the responsiveness of public investments to the lived experiences of women and men across Europe. Full article

Gender-independent, intersex, non-binary, and transgender (GIaNT) youth have puberty health and sex education needs that are different from cisgender youth. Unfortunately, this population has historically been excluded from curricula pertaining to these issues in schools throughout the U.S. and Canada. While sex education programs are limited for all youth, and navigating puberty can range from exciting to scary for all youth, GIaNT youth are particularly vulnerable to facing negative outcomes by being omitted from such curricula. Because they are not able to access adequate information in schools and in their family/friend networks, a majority of GIaNT youth turn to the internet to seek out resources for education on puberty health and sex education. To this end, our team is in the process of creating an online educational resource (OER) that is age-appropriate and affirming for GIaNT youth to be provided with resources that are personalized to users’ unique needs. This literature review discusses content suggestions for inclusion of comprehensive puberty health and sex education that caters to GIaNT youth and their unique needs. Full article

This study aims to explore the associations between menstrual health, lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and coping strategies among female students at a Vietnamese medical university. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 884 female students across five academic majors. Data on demographics, menstrual patterns, biological characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and coping mechanisms were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation, and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of self-reported menstrual changes post university admission. Of the 884 participants, 49.8% reported menstrual changes after entering university. Among the lifestyle-related factors, increased daily electronic use (mean = 5.83 h) and later bedtimes (mean = 23:58) were associated with menstrual change (p < 0.01). Older age and higher academic year emerged as significant predictors of menstrual changes (p < 0.001). Additionally, students with blood groups A and B exhibited a higher risk compared to those with group O (p < 0.05), and Rh-positive status was also significantly associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.05). In terms of knowledge and coping practices, students who had premenstrual syndrome awareness since school were significantly less likely to report menstrual changes (p = 0.003). Although use of pain relief, particularly painkillers, correlated with higher reported pain severity, it was not directly linked to menstrual change. On the other hand, clinic consultations were positively associated with menstrual changes (p = 0.003), while students who relied on their mothers as counselors exhibited a protective association (p = 0.001). Menstrual health in university-aged women is influenced by a complex interplay of lifestyle behaviors, biological traits, and menstrual knowledge. Early education and structured coping support may serve as protective factors. The findings call for targeted menstrual health programs in university settings. Full article

This study examines the trends, impacts, and challenges of HIV in Bangladesh from 2000 to 2024, with a focus on its epidemiology, demographic distribution, and socioeconomic determinants. Despite maintaining one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates globally (<0.1%), Bangladesh faces a concentrated epidemic among high-risk populations, including people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, transgender individuals, and migrant workers. Analysis reveals a steady increase in reported infections, attributed to enhanced diagnostic capacities and public awareness. The 25–49 year age group remains the most affected, accounting for over 65% of cases, underscoring the vulnerability of the economically active population. Gender disparities persist, with males representing the majority of infections but lower ART coverage among females and transgender individuals. While interventions such as PMTCT programs, ART expansion, and targeted awareness campaigns have contributed to improved outcomes, barriers such as stigma, healthcare inequities, and limited rural access hinder progress. The study also evaluates Bangladesh’s progress toward the 95-95-95 targets, highlighting significant strides in treatment and viral suppression but gaps in diagnosis. Future research must address behavioral trends, stigma reduction, and integration of HIV services for marginalized populations. This paper emphasizes the need for evidence-based strategies to ensure equitable healthcare delivery and sustainable progress in combating HIV. Full article

Objectives: This study examined the association between three sexual motivations—rewarding, intimacy, and enhancement—and their relationship to sexual and relationship satisfaction. A novel conceptualization of sexual reward was introduced and tested. Methods: The sample included 675 individuals in steady intimate relationships (12+ months). Participants completed measures assessing sexual motives and satisfaction levels. A newly developed scale for sexual reward motivation was validated. Findings: The rewarding motive was present among many participants, with approximately 10% reporting frequent use. Rewarding was negatively associated with both relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. It also showed a negative correlation with enhancement motivation and no significant correlation with intimacy motivation. Conclusions: While occasional sexual reward may not impact relationship dynamics, frequent use of this motive appears to undermine both sexual and relational well-being. The findings suggest that sexual reward is a distinct and measurable motivation with potential implications for couple dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Full article

Despite having the world’s largest HIV burden, South Africa has yet to attain the 95-95-95 targets. Accurate, complete, and timely data are critical for monitoring a country’s HIV progress. The integration of unique identifier codes (UICs) for key populations (KPs) into routine health information management systems (RHIMS) strengthens data accuracy and completeness, facilitating more targeted HIV interventions and greater accountability. This systematic review assessed how Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries have integrated KPs’ UICs into RHIMS, highlighting key enablers, challenges, and opportunities. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PLOS ONE, and various government and non-government websites to identify the published and grey literature relevant to the study objective from June 2013 to December 2024. References were managed using Zotero version 6.0.36. Two authors independently screened studies using Covidence software. The review was done in accordance with the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered with the “International Prospective Register of PROSPERO) Systematic Reviews” with the registration number CRD42023440656. Out of 1735 studies screened, 361 duplicates were removed. The review found that only nine of the fifty-three SSA countries have incorporated UICs for KPs into their RHIMS through alphanumeric codes. They include Burundi, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Kenya, Uganda, Togo, Malawi, and Liberia. Facilitators for KPs’ UIC adoption included strong data security and political will, whereas barriers encompassed compromised privacy, stigma and discrimination. In South Africa, the UIC for KPs can be integrated into the new electronic medical record (EMR) system. Full article

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences in sexual functioning in women who used cannabis before sex and those who used cannabis but not before sex, among those with sexual dysfunction. The cross-sectional study, conducted from August 2019 to January 2020 at an academic sexual dysfunction clinic in the Midwest region of the United States, included 187 participants. Patients completed an anonymous questionnaire during their visit, which included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), cannabis use, and sociodemographic factors. The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationship between cannabis use and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The secondary objective was to examine the FSFI domains of sexual function with cannabis use over the past four weeks. Among the participants, 90% (n = 168) had sexual dysfunction based on the FSFI scores among those with FSD. Women with FSD who used cannabis before sex reported significantly higher lubrication scores and trends toward higher arousal and total FSFI scores than those who used cannabis but not before sex. However, no significant differences were observed in sexual desire, satisfaction, or pain. Quality of life was statistically significant across cannabis groups, with those who never used cannabis indicating “very good to excellent” health more often than those who used cannabis before sex. In addition, women with FSD who had never smoked cigarettes had a significantly higher proportion of never having used cannabis compared to those who used cannabis not before sex and those who used it before sex. These findings suggest that women with sexual dysfunction who use cannabis before sex may experience improvements in lubrication, arousal, and overall sexual function, highlighting the potential benefits of cannabis use in enhancing specific aspects of sexual health in this population. Full article

The term BDSM is used to describe a wide range of sexual practices, with previously negotiated and mutually consented rules, which take place through a carefully dramatized exercise of roles and powers in the context of erotic and/or sexual interaction. This qualitative study explores the paths and discourses of 14 Portuguese men who practice BDSM and self-identify as submissive. In-depth online interviews were conducted to contextualize the emergence, development, and self-assessment of their practices. The thematic analysis of the results identified three themes: (1) between the awakening and consolidation of interest in the BDSM universe, (2) contacts, encounters, and (dis)continuities, and (3) erotic and sexual experiences (un)blindfolded. The reading of the results is based on a non-pathologizing perspective and highlights a positive evaluation of the sexual experiences reported, motivated by an intentional and collaborative search for pleasure and eroticism that violates traditional gender boundaries. It is recommended that future empirical studies are carried out using non-pathological models associated with BDSM, which could expand knowledge and legitimize different ways of experiencing sexuality. Full article

Questioning motherhood as a social mandate has been one of the main objectives of feminism. Motherhood has traditionally been linked to the idea of femininity and the reproductive function, which has led to women being thought of as “compulsory mothers”. However, this idea is currently changing, despite the fact that judgment is exercised on non-mothers. This research is part of a cross-sectional descriptive study, whose objective is to analyze the barriers and incentives to childbearing in the female population. A questionnaire was designed and administered to a representative sample of 318 women who were selected for our analysis, with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. Results: Economic motives correlate positively with other variables, as well as work motives, the couple’s decision to not want to have children, and not having a stable partner, which suggests that these women have different motives for choosing not to have children. The main conclusions are that social and family pressures appear to have a limited impact on the decision not to have children, suggesting a change in social norms and expectations about the role of women in society, as women continue to gain autonomy and control over their reproductive decisions. Full article

Research with population groups who have undergone circumstances of vulnerability demands a careful ethical approach to ensure that the study is conducted with the utmost respect and sensitivity, addressing potential challenges not only in regards to safeguarding participants’ rights but also in preserving the well-being of researchers. This paper is based on a qualitative research project. Employing snowball sampling techniques, I contacted 21 participants by e-mail, comprising intersex individuals who had engaged in research, as well as researchers and ethics experts with experience in qualitative intersex-related studies. I conducted semi-structured interviews to gather insights from their respective experiences. The research article focuses on a set of ethical principles that could be valuable in the development of intersex-related studies. While certain principles are directed towards participants and others towards researchers, it is important to note that these categories are not strictly delineated. As the findings suggest, these categories are closely interrelated. Both the literature review and fieldwork underscore the significance of adopting various research methods, such as community-based and trauma-informed approaches, to collaborate in enhancing knowledge production for intersex-related studies. Full article

The Death Penalty Information Center’s (DPIC) website states that, since 1608, 576 executions of women under civil authority have been carried out in the United States. The “Espy file”, cited by the DPIC, is widely considered to be the definitive dataset of all executions occurring between 1608 and 2002, but only lists about 365 executions of women. The following two major empirical contributions are offered: (1) source verification of the Espy file, suggesting that black women are especially undercounted and that the total number of executions is closer to 700, and (2) the provision of descriptive statistics demonstrating the variability of women’s to men’s execution ratios over time. This study’s primary purpose is the release and publication of a working dataset, the Women’s Execution Database (WEB), which is meant to generate interest in constructing a narrative that validates the importance of gender-focused theories requiring variables that represent gendered experiences with the death penalty. One example of how such a database can verify women’s erasure in mainstream discussions of capital punishment are WEB statistics demonstrating that active resistance to slavery and racism is verifiable via empirical evidence. Full article

University students from diverse sexual orientations encounter specific mental health challenges due to academic demands, minority stress, and societal stigma; however, research focusing on these issues is still scarce in Southeast Asia. This research aimed to examine the mental health outcomes of heterosexual and sexuality-diverse students in Thailand, concentrating on both negative aspects—such as depression, anxiety, and perceived stress—and positive aspects—like resilience, inner strength, and perceived social support. A cross-sectional survey was performed with 442 university students aged between 20 and 30, employing validated self-report instruments. Statistical methods, including t-tests and multiple regression analyses, were used to evaluate differences and relationships between sexual orientation and mental health outcomes while controlling for confounding variables. The findings revealed that sexuality-diverse students showed notably higher levels of depression (B = 0.115, p < 0.05) and lower perceived social support (B = −0.10, p < 0.05) when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences found in anxiety, perceived stress, resilience, or inner strength. Perceived social support proved to be a crucial protective factor, with greater levels linked to reduced depression, anxiety, and perceived stress (p < 0.01). These results underscore the necessity for inclusive university policies, specific mental health interventions, and peer and family support initiatives to enhance the well-being of sexuality-diverse students in Thailand. Full article

Barriers to help-seeking behaviors in transgender populations in non-Western contexts are both understudied and poorly understood. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, this study examined the psychological help-seeking attitudes of 109 transgender persons from Pakistan in relation to their psychological distress and attitudes toward sexuality. This research further identified which components of distress (stress, anxiety, or depression) were stronger predictors and assessed the role of particular demographic/behavioral factors in help-seeking attitudes. Participants completed three validated assessment tools translated into Urdu: Beliefs about Psychological Services Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Sexual Attitude Scale. The results indicated that psychological distress predicted expertness and intent but not stigma tolerance. Post hoc analysis using DASS-21 subscales revealed that stress and anxiety were the stronger predictors of attitudes related to expertness and intent. The Sexual Attitude Scale marginally predicted stigma tolerance directly and also moderated the relationship between psychological distress and help-seeking attitudes for stigma tolerance. Finally, a role for demographic/behavioral factors—possibly serving as a proxy for mental health literacy—was identified for stigma tolerance. These findings reiterate the importance of tailored mental health awareness initiatives within the transgender community in non-Western settings and highlight the need for qualitative research to further understand the dynamics of psychological distress along with other linked factors. Full article