ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses supporting transgender clients. Existing research on sexual health among transgender populations offers a limited focus, mainly exploring sexual functioning after medical affirmation and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections or perceived paraphilia. The chapter describes research as well as clinical experience to outline therapeutic considerations for sexual health among transgender clients, including sexual identities and fluidity, sexual satisfaction, and relational health. It also describes the transgender-affirming conceptualization of sexual orientation related to gender identity. Exploring sexual health with transgender clients should be undertaken with the goal of providing information that both reduces risk and promotes physically and emotionally satisfying sex. Exploring sexual health with transgender clients should be undertaken with the goal of providing information that both reduces risk and promotes physically and emotionally satisfying sex. Supporting transgender clients in exploring sexuality and improving sexual health is an essential component of transgender-affirming clinical care.
