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Anti-transgender legislation causes psychological distress even in states with trans-friendly laws, according to VCU research

New VCU research found that individuals with trans identities experience psychological distress from anti-transgender laws, even in states with trans-friendly laws. The study also highlights the importance of individual support systems and societal support in mitigating psychological distress.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateSep 18, 2026

Common claim that most transgender youth renounce that identity is not supported by statistics, VCU research finds

A new study from VCU found that rates of transgender identity persistence and desistance can range from zero to 100% depending on data interpretation. The research challenges the narrative that most transgender youth desist from their identity, supporting gender-affirming care for minors.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPsychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity·DateApr 27, 2026

Very few regret a legal gender change in Sweden

A Swedish study found that nearly all transgender individuals who undergo a legal gender change do not experience regrets, with only 21 out of 2,467 participants reversing their decision over 10 years. The study provides strong evidence for the stability of gender changes in this population.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJAMA·DateOct 6, 2025

No increased risk of gynecological cancer with testosterone use after five years

A large-scale study published in eClinicalMedicine found that transmasculine and gender-diverse individuals who use testosterone for an average of five years do not have an increased risk of gynecological cancer. The research, which followed 1955 participants, suggests that hormone therapy may be safe for this group.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 12, 2025

Peer health navigators improve health equity and patient well-being for transgender and gender-diverse patients

A peer health navigator pilot program in Saskatchewan improved access to affirming health care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The program reduced stress and positively impacted clients' mental health by providing tailored guidance and connecting them with affirming providers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 27, 2025

Mount Sinai researchers find testosterone hormone therapy for transmasculine individuals is safer than previously thought

Mount Sinai researchers have found that testosterone treatment is safer than previously reported, with a smaller degree of change in hematocrit levels. The study, involving over 6,670 transmasculine patients, suggests that providers can feel more comfortable prescribing testosterone as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateNov 27, 2023

Prevalence of mental health problems in transgender children

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly half of transgender and gender diverse children experience mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. The study evaluated over 7,200 children aged 9-10 and highlights the need for increased support and resources for this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 22, 2022

Transgender, sexual minority teens at high risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts

A new study finds that transgender adolescents are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their cisgender peers. The research suggests that targeted interventions, such as suicide prevention programs and gender-affirming care, can help reduce the burden of suicidality among this group.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

Rates of experiencing, perpetrating sexual violence among transgender, cisgender, nonbinary youth

A recent study examined rates of experiencing and perpetrating sexual violence among nearly 4,200 youth aged 14-16. The research found significant differences in rates of violence based on gender identity. Younger and more marginalized individuals were disproportionately affected by both victimization and perpetration of sexual violence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 2, 2022

How do I sound? Do you like my voice?

A study by the University of Cincinnati suggests that transgender and gender diverse people can benefit from better-designed smartphone apps offering voice and communication training software. The app features identified as most critical include feedback, accountability, automated goal setting, and non-interactive elements like videos ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Voice·TypeSurvey·DateApr 13, 2022

U of M Medical School research highlights the broad range of terms Minnesota youth use to describe their sexual orientation and gender identity

The study found that 43% of transgender and gender diverse students identified as nonbinary, with similar numbers identifying as pansexual (1.7%) as gay or lesbian (1.6%). Many LGBTQ+ youth reported depressive symptoms and experiences of identity-based bullying.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSurvey·DateMar 21, 2022

Addressing healthcare needs of transgender adults: Qualitative study finds three main barriers to receiving primary care in a supportive environment

A qualitative study explores healthcare experiences of transgender patients in Indiana and reveals three major barriers: finding an affirming provider, navigating wait times, and feeling comfortable in care settings. The research highlights the need for primary care providers knowledgeable about transgender health and safe spaces to ad...

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 7, 2022

Strong corporate inclusion and diversity practice can help bring along employees reticent about supporting transgender and non-binary (‘trans’) people

Research from the University of Bath finds that companies with strong diversity and inclusion climates can spur support for trans staff, even among those initially hesitant. The study emphasizes the importance of practical frameworks, leadership, and authentic allyship initiatives to create a more inclusive work environment.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe International Journal of Human Resource Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Young sexual minority men and transgender women are at higher risk of transactional sex

A recent survey by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that about 22% of young sexual minority males and transgender females engage in transactional sex. The practice is associated with HIV exposure, substance use disorder, and unstable housing. Researchers plan to develop interventions to address economic and social vulnerabilities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 25, 2022

Trans people accessing acute mental health care more likely to experience marginalization

A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateDec 8, 2021

Study examines smoking risk factors and prevention among transgender and gender expansive adults

Researchers identified six major themes associated with smoking risk and protective factors among TGE adults, including experience of stress, gender affirmation, and environmental cues. The study aims to design culturally sensitive messaging for smoking cessation through social media and inform further community-engaged research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 6, 2021

Autistic individuals are more likely to be LGBTQ+

A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that autistic adults are less likely to identify as heterosexual and more likely to experience a diverse range of sexual orientations. The research found no differences in likelihood of contracting STIs or age of first sexual activity between autistic and non-autistic individuals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAutism Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 20, 2021

THE LANCET DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY: Mortality risk in transgender people twice as high as cisgender people, data spanning five decades suggests

A nationwide study of transgender individuals in the Netherlands found a significantly increased mortality risk compared to cisgender people. The analysis of national data from 1972 to 2018 revealed that transgender women and men faced higher risks of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, infection, and non-natural causes of death.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021

Street-based sex workers perform emotional labor to build customer loyalty

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that street-based sex workers invest considerable emotional effort into maintaining loyal customers. They use relational work activities such as friendly service, flexible payments, and scheduling to retain clients. This approach helps them avoid potentially violent or abusive clients and provi...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWork Employment and Society·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2021

Transgender young people accessing health care

A recent review of 91 studies sheds light on the challenges faced by transgender young people accessing healthcare. The study reveals that these individuals often experience inadequate care, lack of understanding from healthcare providers, and limited access to gender-affirming treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 19, 2021

Fear of rejection vs. joy of inclusion: Faith communities from LGBTQ+ perspectives

A study by West Virginia University researchers found that LGBTQ+ people can benefit from faith communities, experiencing a sense of indescribable joy and relief from inclusion. However, the fear of rejection poses significant psychological stress, leading to 'minority stress' with detrimental effects on physical and mental health.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalSpirituality in Clinical Practice·DateJul 12, 2021