Complex Experiences of Gender Affirmation

This project is currently exploring the mental health and support needs of Australians with complex experiences of gender-affirmation. This includes people who people who might understand themselves as trans, formerly trans, retrans, or detrans, who have: 1. experienced shifts in identity (e.g., from trans man to nonbinary, or from non-binary to binary trans); 2. re-claimed or re-identified with their birth-registered sex; 3. stopped or reversed elements of gender-affirmation; and/or 4. 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 project respects each person’s authenticity, self-determination, autonomy, and their decisions regarding gender affirmation. We consider all gender identity, gender expression, and treatment wishes equally acceptable. Questions about this research project can be directed to aus.cega@thekids.org.au