"Of course we had sex!": A qualitative exploration of first sex among women who have sex with women

First sex is often defined by first penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) among cisgender heterosexual individuals or first anal intercourse among cisgender men who have sex with men. The importance given to penetration as the marker of the transition to active partnered sexuality (TAPS) has contributed to the invisibility of women who have sex with women's (WSW) sexualities. Forty-three WSW aged 19–25 years (M = 22.90, SD = 2.17; 84% cisgender) completed a qualitative online survey wherein they described their TAPS. Directed content analysis led to the identification of (1) consensual behavioural markers and non-markers of TAPS and ambiguous behaviours; (2) contextual factors influencing WSW's understanding of TAPS; and (3) a typical course of TAPS among WSW from initiation to conclusion. Behavioural markers of TAPS include oral sex and manual-genital contact, while fondling, kissing and nudity around a partner constitute non-markers. Indirect genital contact and masturbation bear ambiguous meaning. No behavioural equivalent to PVI emerges. Contextual elements such as the role of partners or the importance given to novel sexual experiences are central to WSW's interpretations of first sex. The initiation of TAPS includes non-markers such as kissing and progresses to direct genital contact, though reciprocity or penetration are not required. Results show no consensus regarding its conclusion; TAPS is neither contingent on nor concluded by orgasm. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed, along with recommendations for future research.