Trans Health Research

25/02/2026

Finding safe and secure housing is a major challenge for many trans and gender diverse (trans) people, only made harder by the housing and cost-of-living crisis.

We are incredibly grateful to the 800+ trans people from across Australia who shared their housing experiences with us. We hope that that the statistics and stories captured in our recently-published research report can be used by policy-makers, housing services, and community organisations, to advocate for safer homes and neighbourhoods for trans people.

View the full report, accompanying 1-page summaries, and report launch webinar here: https://www.transresearch.org.au/reports/housing-26

This research was conducted as part of the TRANSform project, Australia's largest and longest-running trans adult health study. Find out more: https://www.transresearch.org.au/participate/transform

Image description: Stats displayed alongside a photo of a trans woman, her non-binary partner, and their son. Stats: 6% moved due to feeling unsafe. 7% experienced anti-trans discrimination, threats, or violence from neighbours. 52% experienced housing insecurity. 11% experienced abuse or controlling behaviour at home. 10% did not have the option to leave an unsafe home. 12% experienced homelessness. Accompanying text reads, “Trans and gender diverse housing statistics in the previous 12 months,” and, “Want to know more? Check out the housing report”.

Photo: rparobe, iStock.

19/02/2026

Improving health care access and reducing health disparities for trans and gender diverse (trans) communities is an urgent priority.

As highlighted in our recent research report, trans-related discrimination in health care settings remains prevalent, and often results in delays to health care seeking. For example, we heard from Danny*, a trans man whose negative experiences prevented him from seeking medical care when he fractured his ankle, and Drew*, a non-binary person whose skin cancer went undetected until more invasive treatments were required.

We hope this new report can support trans communities and stakeholders in their advocacy efforts to strengthen trans and LGBTIQA+ community-controlled services, and boost inclusion of trans health training in university curriculums and health services.

View the full report and accompanying summaries: https://www.transresearch.org.au/reports/healthcare-26

On the same page, you can also watch the launch event recording.

Image description: Health care statistics and a quote displayed alongside three photos. Stats: 57% experienced anti-trans discrimination from a health care professional, 81% had access to supportive professional, 40% had delayed seeking care due to anticipated discrimination. Quote from trans man: “I experienced trans discrimination from two different male GPs who laughed at me, refused to treat me, asked sexually inappropriate questions, and told me that seeking hormones and surgery is wrong.” Left photo: A teenager in an appointment, looking into the distance with a neutral or upset expression, wearing a flannel shirt. Middle photo: A trans man kissing his non-binary partner on the forehead, as they lie in a hospital bed wearing a green hospital gown. Right photo: A non-binary person standing indoors, looking into the distance with a neutral or upset expression, wearing professional clothing. End description.

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Credits: Freepik. Alexander Grey, EyeEm/Freepik. Dario Gaona, iStock.

*Pseudonyms.

17/02/2026

In a collaboration with researchers from Adelaide University, our recent study highlights the experiences of trans and gender diverse (trans) people assigned female at birth with transvaginal ultrasound.

During in-depth interviews, some trans people spoke about how inconsistent information and consent processes left them inadequately informed about the nature of transvaginal ultrasound, resulting in feelings of disempowerment in making informed decisions, and eroding trust in both the referring doctor and the sonographer.

Trust was also impacted by the sonographer's ability to provide respectful or competent care, with many sonographers lacking training in gender-affirming care, as well as an understanding of ge***al changes from testosterone gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Our findings highlight a need for better education and training for sonographers, and improved informed consent processes.

Access the full article: https://doi.org/10.1111/psrh.70056

Image description: Text displayed alongside a photo. The text highlights research findings, as previously described. The photo shows a person sitting on a padded blue examination table, wearing blue denim jeans and a green jumper with the sleeves rolled up. The person’s hands are loosely clasped, covering their crotch. A medical practitioner wearing white gloves can be seen gesturing in the blurred foreground. End description.

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12/02/2026

We are so proud to launch a new research report focusing on the employment experiences of trans and gender diverse (trans) people.

The report contains statistics and quotes from trans people across Australia, going into detail about their experiences. You can also access a one-page summary of key findings and recommendations (web and print versions available).

This research explores barriers to gaining and maintaining employment, experiences when coming out as trans in the workplace, and experiences with colleagues and customers.

Some findings were quite positive. For example, 88% reported being treated fairly and respectfully by supervisors, and 89% said they were treated fairly and respectfully by coworkers. However, we were also able to identify areas where governments and employers can better protect trans people.

View report and summaries: https://www.transresearch.org.au/reports/employment-26

On the same page, you can also watch the launch event recording.

Image description: Statistics (trans compared to general population) and quotes displayed alongside two photos: “1.4 times more likely to have a tertiary education. 4 times higher rate of unemployment. 3 times higher rate of long-term unemployment (more than 12 months).” Jamie, non-binary person, discusses losing two jobs due to anti-trans sentiment. Blake, trans man, works from home due to feeling unsafe in the office. Sara, non-binary person, was advised not to disclose non-binary status in order to remain in education role. Left photo: Non-binary person driving forklift indoors, wearing blue hard hat and blue polo shirt, with long dark hair (credit: rparobe iStock). Right photo: Two warehouse employees walking together, one with short grey hair and wearing high-vis vest over polo shirt, the other with long brown hair and wearing business casual clothing. End description.

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13/01/2026

UPDATE: THIS STUDY HAS COMMENCED, AND NO LONGER TAKING NEW PARTICIPANTS

Are you trans or gender diverse, aged 18+, and currently on a waitlist to access gender-affirming hormones in Australia? We want to hear from you!

We are looking for people to join a research project to evaluate an online peer support program called Thriving Transitions, which has been specifically designed to connect and support people during their time on a waitlist.

The next Thriving Transitions program kicks off Wednesday evening 21st January, and will run weekly for 7 weeks.

That’s only ONE WEEK away, so reach out now!

Contact the Thriving Transitions team: thriving-transitions@unimelb.edu.au

More information here: https://www.transresearch.org.au/participate/thriving

The Thriving Transitions project is supported by a Su***de Prevention Australia Innovative Research Grant 2024-2026 and has ethics approval from Austin Health.

Image description: Two photos displayed alongside text. The text promotes Thriving Transitions, as previously written. Left photo: A mature-aged trans woman standing on her balcony, gesturing to herself and smiling as she speaks during a phone video call. She is wearing a blonde wig, a pink business jacket, a white suit shirt, and makeup. Her nails are painted red. Right photo: A q***r person in their office, wearing a blue-striped suit shirt, silver necklaces, and silver earrings. They have a shaved head, head tattoos, and neck tattoos. They are smiling happily while in a laptop video call. End description.

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Photos: EyeEm. Freepik.

08/01/2026

Join Trans Health Research Group for a free online webinar on Friday 30 January 2026, 12pm-12.30pm AEDT, as we launch three new research reports on three community priorities; housing, employment, and healthcare.

Trans and gender diverse wellbeing is influenced by the systems people navigate every day. Housing security, employment conditions, and access to inclusive services all play a critical role in trans and gender diverse people’s health outcomes. This event launches new research exploring these interconnected areas, and identifying where change is needed.

Community members, support services, government, and other stakeholders are welcome!

REGISTER NOW: https://research-reports.eventbrite.com.au

Can't attend? A recording will be available on the Trans Health Research website.

For enquiries about this event, please contact Dr Sav Zwickl: transform-research@unimelb.edu.au

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3 new reports on 3 trans community priority topics!

07/01/2026

Are you trans or gender diverse, aged 18+, and currently on a waitlist to access gender-affirming hormones in Victoria? We want to hear from you!

We are looking for people to join a research project to evaluate an online peer support program called Thriving Transitions, which has been specifically designed to connect and support people during their time on a waitlist.

The next Thriving Transitions program kicks off Wednesday 21st January, and will run weekly for 7 weeks.

Interested in being involved? Contact the Thriving Transitions team:
thriving-transitions@unimelb.edu.au

More information here: https://www.transresearch.org.au/participate/thriving

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A support group for people who are on a hormone therapy waitlist.

30/12/2025

In our new End of 2025 Review blog post, we reflect on the highs and lows in what was a challenging year for trans communities and allies. https://www.transresearch.org.au/post/2025-review

Despite the challenges, as trans people, clinicians, and researchers, we have drawn strength from inspirational displays of trans solidarity and community building, and we have remained steadfast in our commitment to countering disinformation with high-quality research and the elevation of trans voices.

All our research wouldn't be possible without the generosity of the many trans and gender diverse people who have given their time and shared their stories with us in 2025. We cannot thank you enough!

Thank you also to our many collaborators – other research groups, individual researchers, clinicians, and community organisations – for working with us to improve the health and wellbeing of trans people. Your time, dedication, and expertise are deeply appreciated, and we look forward to working with you more in 2026 and beyond!

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2025 was a challenging year, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to high quality research and elevating trans voices.

24/12/2025

As 2025 winds down, the holidays give us time for connection, decompression, and reflection.

For many people, particularly those in the trans and gender diverse community, the holiday period can come with a mix of emotions. Whoever you are, and however you choose to spend the holidays, we hope that you find moments to feel connected and replenished in whatever way works for you. For example, spending time with friends and family, taking part in faith-based celebrations, spoiling beloved pets, taking the time to connect with yourself, or connecting with the beautiful natural world around us.

Community and self-care can take many forms, and look different for everyone.

If you need support during this time, there are trans-affirming support services that you can reach out to, and we’ve compiled a list of options in the Community Resources section of our website.

Mental health and peer support: https://www.transresearch.org.au/mental-health-peer-support

Support and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: https://www.transresearch.org.au/first-nations

Support for families and carers: https://www.transresearch.org.au/families-carers

All community resources: https://www.transresearch.org.au/community-resources

Image description: Supportive text displayed alongside six photos. From top left to bottom right, the photos show: Two non-binary people and a transfem person sitting outdoors, taking a selfie together. Trans man taking a selfie with his friends, in a pool. Man sitting in his wheelchair, talking on the phone with the assistance of his wife. Non-binary intersex person standing with their non-binary partner, the pair about to kiss. Trans woman sitting at a dinner table, being embraced by her relative, a Christmas tree in the background. Non-binary person sitting on their couch, hugging their dog. End description.

Photos by Gender Spectrum Collection, FG Trade (iStock), 24K Production, EyeEm, Wavebreak Media, Carlos A. Gonzalez Q.

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21/12/2025

📢 Setting the record straight on gender-affirming care 📢

We’re pleased to share our published response addressing misinformation about gender-affirming care that has been circulating in public discourse. https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.70040

Our original Clinical Perspective outlined evidence-based recommendations for the initiation and monitoring of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for trans adults in Australia. https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.16413

In contrast, the recent letter we respond to raised claims about children and overseas reviews that were outside the scope of our article, and inconsistent with established medical evidence.

In our response, we reaffirm that gender-affirming care is a patient-centred, evidence-informed model that supports trans people to align their physical, psychological and social wellbeing with their gender identity. It involves careful assessment, shared decision-making, and ongoing clinical monitoring—not ideological assumptions or “blind affirmation”.

Decades of research show that, for those who seek it, gender-affirming care is associated with improvements in mental health, quality of life, and reductions in dysphoria and suicidality. This care is supported by more than 30 major medical organisations worldwide, including the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

We also address common myths (including claims about “social contagion” and the mischaracterisation of gender-affirming hormones) and explain why applying uniquely restrictive evidence standards to trans healthcare is not scientifically or ethically justified.

Healthcare should always be guided by science, clinical expertise, and the voices of those most affected… not fear, misinformation, or political interference.

Evidence matters. Trans lives matter.

Image description: Text displayed alongside a photo. The text summarises the post as previously written. The photo shows a doctor standing indoors, holding forward a heart-shaped trans pride badge, wearing a white coat and a stethoscope around their neck. End description.

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17/12/2025

Trans Health Research was proud to attend the 2025 AusPATH Conference in Nipaluna (Hobart) with more than 500 delegates.

Team members chaired workshops, shared new research findings, and helped lead national discussions on gender-affirming healthcare.

This blog post brings together all of those contributions. It offers a broad overview of the work that we are doing to improve gender diverse people’s quality of life and access to healthcare, with even more progress being made behind the scenes.

Our researchers presented on topics including gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) continuation, hair loss with testosterone GAHT, ge***al atrophy, and body composition changes with spironolactone or cyproterone acetate.

We also discussed Medicare item numbers for gender-affirming surgeries, gender diversity training for GPs, pelvic health physiotherapy, and key achievements from the TRANSform project.

The Conference highlighted sector achievements such as the launch of AusPATH Standards of Care Version 2 and the Guidelines for Gender Affirming Care in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As always, there is more work to do, and we are so proud to be contributing to progress for our communities.

Trans Health Research were excited to join over 500 delegates in Nipaluna/Hobart, for the biennial Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH) Conference.

15/12/2025

Support matters, especially right now.

Many people in our trans and gender diverse communities are feeling heightened stress, fear, anger, or grief at the moment. If you’re finding things heavy, you don’t have to sit with it alone. Confidential, affirming support is available.

QLife: Free, anonymous peer support for LGBTIQA+ people.
Availability: 3pm–9pm, every day.
Call: 1800 184 527.
Webchat: https://qlife.org.au

Lifeline: Crisis support and su***de prevention service.
Availability: 24/7.
Call: 13 11 14.
Webchat: https://www.lifeline.org.au
Text: 0477 13 11 14.

Su***de Call Back Service: Mental health support and su***de prevention service.
Availability: 24/7.
Call: 1300 659 467.
Webchat: https://www.su***decallbackservice.org.au

A more comprehensive list of services and resources is available here: https://bit.ly/thr-resources

Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It’s a way of taking care of yourself.