Gay, bisexual, and queer trans men navigating sexual fields

Abstract

Drawing on interviews with 40 gay, bisexual, and queer trans men in Ontario, Canada, we describe understandings of, and strategies for affective and behavioral negotiation within virtual and physical sexual fields in which they might find male sexual partners. Participants drew sharp distinctions between gay and queer sexual fields. Specific websites for seeking sex also emerged as important fields with their own internal logics. Sexual field choice was heavily impacted by social and medical gender affirmation. Participant narratives highlighted the interplay of personal and socio-historical transitions—including accessing medical transition technologies, the rise of virtual sexual fields, and increasing trans male visibility—in producing rapidly changing sexual opportunity structures. Comfort and success navigating extant sexual fields varied, with many reporting some degree of satisficing to balance the potentials for pleasure and risk.