Measuring Sexual Function in Gender Minority Individuals: A Critical Review

Critically assess and evaluate existing measures of sexual function developed for and validated in gender minority individuals (e.g., transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit, intersex individuals). Provide recommendations for the development of gender minority inclusive measures of sexual function.

The present review describes the measurement development processes and psychometric properties of sexual function assessment tools that have been developed for and validated in gender minority individuals. Two measures of sexual function were recently developed with the intention of being used specifically in gender diverse groups. The Transmasculine Sexual Function Index (TM-SFI) for sexually active transmasculine individuals with cervixes was adapted from the six-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The Operated Male-to-Female Sexual Function Index (oMtFSFI) is for individuals who have received gender-affirming surgery (GAS), specifically penile skin inversion vaginoplasty. Although the TM-SFI is validated for use in English, the oMtFSFI is currently validated for use only in Italian. Psychometric properties of both measures are discussed, and recommendations for equity-informed measurement applicable to gender minority individuals are provided.

We present a critical review focused on the psychometric properties of two measures of sexual function for gender minority adults. Existing gaps with current measurement tools for this population are discussed, and recommendations are made using best practices in equity-informed measure development relevant to this population.