"I tried to appreciate it in a different way": Older lesbian, bisexual, and queer women's body image and embodiment across the life course

We examined the life histories of older lesbian, bisexual, and queer women, focusing on the stories they told about their bodies and sexuality from early to later life. Guided by a narrative constructionist approach, a series of two life history interviews were conducted with 17 lesbian, bisexual, and queer women aged 65-86. Two themes were constructed through a narrative thematic analysis: Queering the Corset: Negotiating Gender Expression and (Aspirational) Aging Body Acceptance. Participants experienced body-related freedom through 'tomboy' expressions of physicality as children. This body autonomy was constrained in adolescence and adulthood due to heterosexist messages surrounding idealized femininity relayed by family and (heterosexual) men, which disrupted self-care yet catalyzed attuned, queer desire and positive embodiment. Women worked to accept their bodies as they aged; they experienced some body dissatisfaction in relation to age-related body changes, yet gratitude and pride in their older queer identities. The findings highlight concurrent positive and negative body image, and breadth of body-related experiences ranging from attunement and agency to discomfort and disruption throughout the life course. This work contributes to body image and embodiment research by moving beyond dominant (youthful) heteronormative perspectives by illuminating how ageism and heterosexism can shape body-related experiences.

Non-binary reproduction: Stories of conception, pregnancy, and birth

Background: Many non-binary individuals AFAB (assigned female at birth) seek gestational parenthood. However, the limited available literature is often focused on trans men and overlooks the conception, pregnancy, and birth experiences of non-binary parents. Aims: The study aimed to capture the unique reproduction narratives of non-binary people AFAB. Methods: Five non-binary individuals volunteered to participate in this study. Data were collected using largely unstructured, in-depth, tape-recorded interviews. Thematic analysis of the verbatim transcripts and tape recordings yielded a chronological, cohesive narrative for each participant. Four participants reviewed their narrative and confirmed that their story was accurately represented. The individual narratives were then woven into one collective narrative, and common themes across the participants' stories were identified. Results: Before conception, most participants considered how to balance their medical and social transitions with their reproductive goals. Conception was relatively easy and straightforward for the four participants who used their partner's sperm. The gendered nature of, and language surrounding, pregnancy greatly impacted participant's reproductive experiences, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness, difficulties finding maternity clothes and gender dysphoria. Participants desired gender-affirming care and reported mostly positive experiences with their healthcare providers. Their gender identity influenced their experiences of parenthood, as well as the decisions they made regarding the disclosure of their gender identity to others, their gender presentation, chestfeeding, and parental designations. Discussion: The cisnormative and heteronormative scripts that surround pregnancy shaped the reproductive narratives of those who participated in this research. The findings reinforce the importance of inclusive, gender-affirming healthcare and social support services.

Sexual Function, Quality of Life, and Experiences of Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study

Introduction

Ovarian cancer impacts approximately 1 in 75 women. Sexual health is receiving increasing attention as a critical aspect of gynecologic cancer treatment and a component of quality of life. Therefore, investigating how women with ovarian cancer experience and express sexuality is an important area of inquiry.

Aims

To evaluate how women with ovarian cancer experience and express sexuality, a major determinant of quality of life, in the context of their illness.

Methods

In a mixed-methods approach, 6 validated self-report questionnaires (n = 64) and an in-depth focus group (n = 3) were used to gather data.

Results

The quantitative phase of the study showed that women with ovarian cancer have a poorer quality of life and higher rates of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress compared with published norms from the general population. They also have lower levels of relationship satisfaction and increased rates of depression. The qualitative phase of the study revealed 6 themes: (i) changes to relationship satisfaction; (ii) sexual difficulties; (iii) challenges with body image; (iv) gaps in communication with healthcare providers; (v) feelings of guilt, grief, resentment, anxiety, and fear; and (vi) strategies used for coping.

Conclusions

Ovarian cancer impacts women’s lives beyond mere survival, including their sexual function and quality of life. Healthcare providers are urged to prepare women with ovarian cancer for these challenges and offer information and resources to help improve their quality of life and sexuality.

Fischer OJ, Marguerie M, Brotto LA. Sexual Function, Quality of Life, and Experiences of Women with Ovarian Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study. Sex Med 2019;7:530–539.