This project explores the mental health and support needs of Australians with complex experiences of gender-affirmation. This includes people who people who understand themselves themselves as trans, formerly trans, retrans, or detrans, who have:
- experienced shifts in identity (e.g., from trans man to nonbinary, or from non-binary to binary trans);
- re-claimed or re-identified with their birth-registered sex;
- stopped or reversed elements of gender-affirmation; and/or
- experienced difficult or uncomfortable feelings (e.g., dissatisfaction, doubt, grief, or regret).
We are interested in talking to people with different experiences and points of view (positive, negative, neutral, and/or more complicated).
- What are the mental health experiences and needs of people with complex experiences of gender-affirmation?
- What clinical and community supports are needed?
- How can existing services be improved?
By understanding experiences with healthcare and support services, we hope to improve the resources available to all people considering, accessing, or ceasing gender-affirmation in Australia.
Our research team respects each person’s authenticity, self-determination, autonomy, and their decisions regarding gender affirmation. We recognise that all gender identity, gender expression, and treatment wishes are equally acceptable.
Language
This project aims to understand a range of different experiences from people with different genders and experiences with gender-affirmation. In addition, language in this area is still evolving and different people might use different words to describe similar experiences. Consultation with Community Advisory Groups has shaped how we ask questions and the words we use in this study.
Because we are trying to use language that is respectful of all experiences, the language might not describe your specific experience. We welcome your participation regardless and will provide you with opportunities to provide feedback about the language you use.
Advisory
This project is being conducted in collaboration with advisors with a range of different experiences (including both trans and formerly trans/ detrans people). If you are interested in becoming an advisor please email us at aus.cega@thekids.org.au.
More information
If you have any questions about this research project please email aus.cega@thekids.org.au.
This project is funded by Embrace @ The Kids.
Investigators
- Blake Cavve
- Sav Zwickl
- Penelope Strauss
- Helen Morgan
- Shauna Beech
- Julia K. Moore
- Teddy Cook
- Róisín Hille
- Yael Perry