Sexual Desire and Fantasies in the LGBT+ Community: Focus on Lesbian Women and Gay Men

Abstract

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge around sexual desire, fantasies, and related biopsychosocial factors that may facilitate or obstruct sexual expressions in lesbian women and gay men. Recent Findings Sexual desire levels and related problems do not seem significantly different in people who identify as gay or lesbian compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Evidence has shown lesbian women and gay men may have specific desire expressions and biopsychosocial factors influencing their sexual health. This may suggest the importance of deepening the understanding of the unique factors of LGBT+ sexuality and relationships while paying attention to the sociocultural background in which lesbian and gay people grow and develop their identities. Summary A lack of specific and unbiased literature on sexual desire and fantasies in gay and lesbian people is reported. Available evidence is controversial and often biased. LG people showed a variety of sexual expressions that are hard to categorize referring to the heteronormative sexual standards that permeate literature and clinical practice. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

Sexual Desire and Fantasies in the LGBT+ Community: a Focus on Bisexuals, Transgender, and Other Shades of the Rainbow

“…These findings are in line with other studies highlighting lower levels of sexual desire reported by MtF and higher levels reported by FtM after gender-confirming interventions [26][27][28][29]. However, sexual desire variation after GAS is not always perceived as distressful for trans people as many reported it as a "desired" effect, perceiving it as the "typical" expression of their gender identity and role [28,30]. Conversely, it should be noted that the will to adhere to stereotypic gender roles of the identified gender may also influence the expression of sexual desire and behavior in transgender people.…”

“…Currently, there is no evidence to confirm a direct positive association between testosterone levels and sexual desire in FtM [25]. These findings are in line with other studies highlighting lower levels of sexual desire reported by MtF and higher levels reported by FtM after gender-confirming interventions [26][27][28][29]. However, sexual desire variation after GAS is not always perceived as distressful for trans people as many reported it as a "desired" effect, perceiving it as the "typical" expression of their gender identity and role [28,30].…”

“…In the literature, many studies discussing sexual desire in lesbian women and gay men [4] have contemplated bisexual people within comprehensive categories such as MSM and WSW. Some of the conclusions drawn for lesbian and gay people could be similar for bisexuals, but further studies investigating the unique nature of sexual desire and erotic fantasies in bisexual women and men are urgently needed.…”

“…To better understand this controversial topic, other biopsychosocial factors should be considered. Body dysphoria, sexual satisfaction, fear of fetishization, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are relevant dimensions that should be taken into account in transgender people's sexual life [22,28]. Furthermore, internalized transphobia could have a negative role on sexual desire and satisfaction as highlighted for homonegativity in lesbian and gay people [23•].…”

“…However, scientific and clinical expertise in this field is still inadequate. For an in-This article is part of the Topical Collection on Urology, Gynecology, and Endocrinology depth discussion of sexual desire and fantasies in lesbian women and gay men, readers are encouraged to refer to Nimbi et al [4].…”