"Everything in our journey is valid" : An acceptance and commitment therapy workbook for trans and gender-diverse people navigating sexuality

This workbook was developed from previous research the team have conducted exploring TGD people’s experiences of their sexualities during gender transition (Pipkin et al., 2023; Ward et al., 2024). We identified common experiences for TGD people and heard how they navigated some challenges, resulting in happier sex lives, more communicative relationships with partner(s), and increased self-confidence. Therefore, we decided to create a workbook based on these findings to help other TGD people navigate, understand, and embrace their sexualities. Throughout its development, the workbook has been co-produced with various community members. The design, content, and structure reflect the preferences voiced by TGD people and are supported by academic research. The majority of the research team are TGD, and throughout the projects, we have worked with a trans-led transcription company and trans illustrators to further community involvement. It was important to the community members that evidence-based theories, concepts, and research were included and that there was an explicit commitment to trans- affirming approaches and against conversion practices. We also heard that the workbook should be as accessible, inclusive, and culturally competent as possible. Therefore, we have considered TGD people at various stages of transition and have not assumed that everyone wants to medically transition and that some people using this workbook may just be becoming comfortable to explore their identities. We also draw on intersectionality to recognise how we are not just one identity. Many parts of us intersect with one another based on the interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, gender, and other individual characteristics. Unfortunately, parts of our identities may be discriminated against or disadvantaged. This means that we all have unique positions in the world, with opportunity and oppression based on different parts of our identity at any one time.