Trans Health Research, 300 Waterdale Road, Melbourne (2025)

14/07/2025

FEW SPOTS REMAINING!!

We are currently inviting trans and gender diverse people, who are on a waitlist to access gender-affirming hormones, to take part in an online peer support program called Thriving Transitions. It is led by four trans people and two cis people, and is directly informed by lived experience.

This program is part of a clinical trial evaluating online peer support. Alongside wanting to support you directly, we are also looking to hear your feedback about accessing support.

All participants must be aged 18+ and living in Australia. This is a 7-week program primarily comprised of 1.5hr Zoom sessions. People from all over the country are welcome to get involved!

To read more and get involved, please visit: https://redcap.unimelb.edu.au/surveys/?s=KYD49LYM9DCKYP3R

Questions can be sent to the Thriving Transitions team: thriving-transitions@unimelb.edu.au

Registrations close Sunday 20th July 2025!!

The Thriving Transitions project is supported by a Su***de Prevention Australia Innovative Research Grant 2024-2026.

Image description: Text displayed on a blue gradient, overlaid on top of a photo. The text reads, “On a waitlist to access hormones? Let’s get through it together. Join our trans-led peer support group for trans adults living in Australia. Starts next week! Registrations close on Sunday.” The photo shows a diverse group of people standing together outdoors, holding their hands together in an expression of unity. End description.

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08/07/2025

In collaboration with Pride in Sport and Ryan Storr, our recent publication explored the relationship between the mental health of trans people and their experiences of bullying within, and barriers to participation in, sport and fitness settings.

The national survey found that experiences of barriers and bullying are significantly associated with increased levels of distress, self-harm, and suicidality for trans people, particularly non-binary trans people. Trans people who reported being bullied or excluded based on their gender by sports team members and parents/guardians of other team members were found to have 5.5 to 8.4 times increased odds of having attempted su***de in the previous year.

Trans Health Research conducts research with one goal: to provide robust evidence to improve the health and wellbeing of trans communities. So, let these findings be a call to action: trans people are part of our sporting communities and need to be included as a matter of urgency. Everybody should have access to the profound social, mental, and physical benefits of sports and fitness.

Read the full publication here: https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2025.2487017

Image description: Text displayed alongside a photo. The text reads, “Better inclusion needed: Trans people’s mental health significantly impacted by barriers to participation, and bullying, in sports and fitness.” The photo shows a non-binary runner standing outdoors, tying up their hair. They are wearing a blue crop top bra, visor sunglasses, and jewellery. A blue sky, buildings, and trees are visible in the blurred background. End description.

*******al Pride in Sport Australia

Photo: pixdeluxe, iStock.

02/07/2025

Trans and gender diverse people have various beliefs, practices, and feelings when it comes to issues of faith and religion. For some trans people, their connections to faith are deeply important to their sense of identity and belonging.

As part of our TRANSform Project, we are deeply appreciative of all the people who have shared their experiences of faith and religion with us.

For example, Fatima, a trans woman shared how, "My best friend... helped me to affirm being a q***r Muslim... I find it an uplifting relationship, reminding each other that God made us and doesn't make mistakes... I found it very uplifting to go to the Palestine protest and see q***rs, Muslims, and q***r Muslims marching together."

Fatima shared her story as part of TRANSform, Australia’s largest ongoing adult trans health study. If you are a trans or gender diverse person, we would love to hear your story as well!

Join here: https://www.transresearch.org.au/participate/transform-study

Image description: Text and the TRANSform logo displayed alongside a photo. The text is Fatima’s quote with attribution. The photo shows a woman wearing a red headscarf and grey shirt, smiling as she points to a trans badge that she has pinned to her scarf. Trees are visible in the blurred background. End description.

Photo: Cunaplus_M.Faba, iStock.

02/07/2025

We’re so excited to share that our research has been featured in a new documentary in the making… The Gender Game by the amazing Mitch Nivalis!

As clinicians and researchers, one of the most meaningful parts of this work is getting to share in people’s stories over time; their struggles, their resilience, their joy. Most of those stories are deeply personal and private, and rightly so.

That’s why we’re incredibly moved by Mitch’s courage in sharing their story so openly. In The Gender Game, they follow their participation in our research study examining the impact of hormone therapy on muscle and fitness, and in doing so, Mitch takes us on a powerful journey through gender, sport, and what fairness really means.

Their openness and enthusiasm help put real people and real stories behind the science—and show why this work matters.

We can’t wait to see the full documentary and are so proud to be part of this incredible project. Stay tuned!

Learn about the GAME Study here: https://www.transresearch.org.au/participate/game-study

Image description: Text displayed alongside two photos. The text reads, “The Gender Game: Upcoming Documentary”. One photo shows Mitch sitting at a desk, smiling widely, with a camera operator visible behind them. They are wearing a grey jumper and have light brown hair. The other photo, taken from behind Mitch, shows them sitting in the same chair, and shows Professor Ada Cheung sitting at her desk, talking with Mitch as the same camera operator films the pair. Ada has short dark hair and is wearing a black blazer over a blue shirt. On the wall, the progress pride flag is depicted in a dot pointing. End description.

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25/06/2025

Trans Health Research are proud to be part of the collaborative involved in the application to the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) to have MBS item numbers approved for gender affirming surgery, with the aim to improve access to surgeries in Australia.

Read an overview of the history and process of the MSAC application here:https://plasticsurgery.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ASPS-Webpage-Update-on-MSAC-1754_V4.pdf

The uncertainty and length of this process has been distressing for many in our community. We hear and see your urgency for action, and we feel it too. This process must be done properly—meaning a community-driven approach that centres lived experience, prioritises safety, and ensures those who need care can access it.

It’s not just about creating MBS item numbers; it’s about designing a system that understands the full patient journey and takes a whole-of-healthcare approach to delivering respectful, effective, and equitable gender affirming care.

View a range of trans-affirming support services and resources here: https://www.transresearch.org.au/community-resources

Image description: Text displayed alongside two photos. The text mentions the MSAC application, as previously discussed, and reassures community members who are struggling. One photo features a tattooed trans man standing indoors, with the focus on his chest. He is holding one hand beside his top surgery (mastectomy) scars. The other photo shows a tattooed non-binary trans woman sitting outdoors, laughing happily as she talks to her friend. She is wearing earrings, makeup, and a white top. She has a short, closely cropped afro. End description.

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Photo credits: Gender Spectrum Collection (non-binary trans woman). Natalia Blauth, Unsplash (trans man).

24/06/2025

Research has repeatedly shown that wanting, but not being able to access, gender-affirming surgery is associated with poorer mental health outcomes. This can have a flow-on effect, impacting a person's relationships, safety, ability to work, and broader participation in society.

Lucy, a trans woman involved in our TRANSform project, described the impact that this has had in her life: “The words don't exist to describe the toll this has taken. [Delays to my gender-affirming surgery] make me feel like I'm still losing time, as though I'm powerless even if I try to transition.”

When trying to access gender-affirming surgeries in Australia, trans and gender diverse people experience many barriers. Two of the most significant are high out-of-pocket costs (commonly between $15,000 and $100,000 per surgery), and a lack of surgeons trained to perform these surgeries.

Addressing these barriers should be at the forefront of all trans health advocacy.

Image description: Text and the TRANSform logo displayed alongside a grayscale photo. The text is Lucy’s quote with attribution. The photo shows a trans woman standing outdoors, wearing business attire, holding a transparent folder with paper in it. She has long black hair and is wearing makeup. She is looking into the distance with a sad expression. End description.

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Photo credit: Josu Ozkaritz, iStock.

18/06/2025

This week, Prof Ada Cheung gave the keynote presentation at Bristol Myers Squibb’s Pride Month celebration, speaking to a packed room and a wider audience joining from across Australia, India, Japan, and New Zealand.

The talk was titled "The Fabric of Freedom: Centering Trans Lives and Strengthening Allyship", drawing on the WorldPride 2025 theme.

The presentation covered:

-Why trans health research matters, both professionally and personally.
-The progress we’ve made in Australia.
-The global backlash against trans lives and on science.
-The vital role of allyship in driving change.

“The Fabric of Freedom” is not possible with one thread or one story. It reminds us that freedom is a tapestry, only made possible when diverse threads come together through inclusion, solidarity, and the continuous weaving of diverse identities and stories. This theme was adopted for World Pride 2025, to show the collective strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of ongoing challenges.

Allies play a powerful role: in workplaces, meetings, clinics, in families, and friendships. Speaking up and advocating to support trans and gender diverse people in the spaces you hold power makes all the difference.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended with curiosity, openness, and commitment to show up. Let’s keep weaving a stronger, more inclusive fabric--together.

Pictured is Ada Cheung with CB Bonnar and the Pride Alliance Team.

17/06/2025

Huge congratulations to Sam Ronfeldt, MD research student, who has just completed her final oral presentation!

Sam’s project looked at the use of subdermal estradiol implants as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). This is an important area of research, especially in the context of recent estradiol shortages.

In a retrospective audit, Sam found that people receiving their first implant generally achieved estradiol levels within the female reference range, and most didn’t require another implant for around 9 months.

This work highlights an alternative GAHT option that may offer longer-lasting effects and improved convenience for some trans women, transfeminine people, and non-binary people presumed male at birth.

The research is still ongoing... stay tuned for more findings!

Well done, Sam! We’re so proud of your work contributing to real-world improvements in trans and gender diverse healthcare.

Image description: Text and the Trans Health Research logo displayed alongside a photo. The text reads, “Congratulations to Sam Ronfeldt for her final oral research presentation on subdermal estradiol implants!” The photo shows Sam standing at a podium indoors, speaking into a microphone. She is gesturing as she talks. She is wearing business casual clothing with jewellery and has long, dark hair. End description.

10/06/2025

New research we have recently published in Frontiers in Immunology sheds light on how s*x hormones—like oestrogen and testosterone—not only affect our bodies, but also influence how our immune system functions. This is especially relevant for trans and gender diverse people undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).

We already know that immune function differs between s*xes; autoimmune diseases are more common in people recorded female at birth, while immune recovery after infections like COVID can be slower in those recorded male. But there is still very little research on how GAHT affects immune health in people using GAHT.

Current studies suggest GAHT can change inflammation markers, alter white blood cells, the expression of genes (epigenetic changes) and potentially impact immune recovery (e.g., in COVID).

While research in the area is still in its early stages, we highlight the need for more research into how GAHT might influence risk for immune-related conditions, inflammation, and response to infections or vaccines. We advocate for more robust, mechanistic, and inclusive research to better understand these effects and inform trans-specific clinical guidelines.

Read more: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1501959/full

Image description: Text displayed alongside a digital rendering. The text reads, “New research: How does gender-affirming hormone therapy impact the immune system?” The rendering depicts COVID-19 virus particles floating in the air. End description.

Rendering credit: Fusion Medical Animation (Unsplash).

09/06/2025

Trans Health Research are excited to collaborate on a research project led by The Kids Institute, which aims to understand the mental health and support needs of Australians with complex gender affirmation experiences. This research aims to improve individualised care in Australia.

If you have experienced any of the following, we would like you to help decide which questions we ask, and how we communicate our research!

-Shifts in identity (such as from binary trans to non-binary).
-Re-identifying with your birth-registered s*x.
-Stopping or reversing gender affirmation.
-Feelings of regret.

By joining one of our Community Advisory Groups, you will be asked to meet online for an hour, approximately five times over the next two years.

Our research project takes a gender-affirming approach. We recognise that all gender identity, gender expression, and treatment wishes are equally acceptable. We respect each person’s authenticity, self-determination, and autonomy.

We will have multiple different groups to suit people with different experiences, including those who might describe themselves as trans, formerly trans, or detrans.

For more information, or to join one of our Community Advisory Groups, please complete the expression of interest here: tinyurl.com/8epr6dfy

If you have any questions about this research project, please contact Dr Blake Cavve at aus.cega@thekids.org.au.

Image description: Text describing this project, with the title “Complex Experiences of Gender Affirmation”. Logos are displayed above the title, including The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia, and Trans Health Research. End description.

05/06/2025

Access to gender-affirming surgery, for those trans and gender diverse people who desire it, can be life-changing and in many cases life-saving. However, despite decades of advocacy, gender-affirming surgeries remain out of reach for many trans people.

Remi, a non-binary person who is part of our TRANSform project, stated that, "Trans health services need way more resources (and our healthcare/medication/surgery needs to be covered by Medicare)”. Like many trans people, Remi is unable to access surgery due to high out-of-pocket costs. "I can't afford the things I need to improve my health and mental health,” Remi said.

Our research shows that there are high rates of unmet need for gender-affirming surgeries in Australia, with a survey of non-binary Australians indicating almost half (48.5%) want, but have not yet been able to access, surgery. Read more here: https://www.transresearch.org.au/post/nonbinarygahtgas

Improving access to gender-affirming surgeries in Australia should be a top priority.

Image description: Remi’s quote displayed alongside a photo of a non-binary person sitting on a couch, looking pensively into the distance. They are wearing jeans, an orange top, and have short blond hair and tattoos. End description.

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Photo: Alex Potemkin.

03/06/2025

New from our team: How often should prolactin be monitored during gender affirming hormone therapy? And what does it mean if levels are high?

Our latest article in Frontiers in Endocrinology offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for prescribing clinicians, and updates for the trans community on what the research says about prolactin, estradiol, and anti-androgens like cyproterone acetate.

Key takeaways:

-Prolactin levels often rise with cyproterone, but usually only mildly.

-Routine monitoring isn't always needed unless symptoms are present.

-A thoughtful, symptom-guided approach can avoid unnecessary stress, tests, and costs.

Please share with your clinicians and community!

Written by Dr Brendan Nolan, Dr Matt Accatino, Dr Lachlan Angus and Prof Ada Cheung of the Trans Health Research Group.

Read the full article here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1608108/full

Image description: Text displayed alongside a photo. The text reads, “New research: How often should prolactin levels be monitored in patients taking estradiol and anti-androgens?” The image shows a nurse, who is wearing blue gloves, placing a filled vacutainer tube in a stand. End description.

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