Trans Health Research

19/03/2026

Dr. Brendan Nolan, along with other researchers, conducted research examining how access to gender-affirming care affects both health outcomes and public spending.

https://theconversation.com/funding-surgery-and-hormones-for-trans-people-can-save-medicare-millions-new-research-274125

The findings are clear. Before receiving gender-affirming hormones or surgery, trans and gender diverse people had higher use of mental health services and medications. After care was accessed, this use declined, indicating improved mental health and reduced need for ongoing clinical support.

By analysing a decade of de-identified Medicare records for thousands of people, researchers found that providing gender-affirming care is not only clinically beneficial, but economically responsible. The reduction in mental health service use and prescriptions could translate into millions of dollars in savings for Medicare.

Despite this, gender-affirming surgery remains inconsistently subsidised, leaving many people to face significant out-of-pocket costs.

This research reinforces what gender diverse communities and clinicians have long made clear: Access to timely, affordable gender-affirming care is essential, improving lives while also reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

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Until now, we haven’t had research that tracks how accessing hormones or surgeries affects how much trans people use mental health services and medications.

17/03/2026

Late last year, we celebrated a huge milestone. Dr Lachlan Angus officially graduated from his PhD!

Lachie’s doctoral thesis, Optimising The Use Of Anti-Androgens In Trans People, was a landmark randomised controlled trial comparing two commonly-used anti-androgens, spironolactone and cyproterone. His work showed that both agents are effective, with no difference in breast development or body fat distribution, providing strong evidence that anti-androgen choice should be individualised, guided by patient preference and side-effect profile, rather than assumptions about physical outcomes.

Beyond this, Lachie’s PhD delivered a series of world-class contributions showing that estradiol and anti-androgens alter heart conduction and shift the plasma proteome toward patterns more closely aligned with cisgender women than cisgender men.

His work has been recognised nationally, including the Endocrine Society of Australia Bryan Hudson Clinical Endocrinology Award and the AusPATH Best Paper by an Early Career Researcher Award (2025).

On the same day, Den Celestra graduated from his Master of Biomedical Science, using Lachie’s RCT data to examine immune cell changes with GAHT. Den showed that estradiol and cyproterone influence immune pathways linked to autoimmune disease risk, including Th17 CCR4- cells. This is an important step toward understanding immune modulation in trans and gender diverse health.

We’re incredibly proud of both Lachie and Den for this rigorous science, these clinically meaningful questions, and the real-world impact which follows.

LINKS:

Breast development: https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgae650

Body composition: https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2025.2531421

Heart conduction: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2816835

Plasma proteome patterns: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-04023-9

Image description: Text displayed alongside a photo of Doctor Lachlan Angus and Den Celestra at their graduation ceremonies, accompanied by Professor Ada Cheung. Lachie and Den are smiling happily, holding graduation certificates in blue tube containers, Ada standing between them and smiling happily. Lachie is wearing a white suit shirt, dark blue trousers, a red-and-black academic gown, and a black Tudor bonnet. Den is wearing a white suit shirt, black trousers, a red-and-black academic gown, and a black mortarboard cap. Ada is wearing a pink-and-blue shirt, black trousers, a red-and-black academic gown, glasses, and a black Tudor bonnet. End description.

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11/03/2026

Are you trans or gender diverse, aged 16 or older, and living in Australia? If you haven't already, now is the time to join TRANSform, Australia's largest trans-led research project!

By sharing your experiences, you can contribute to the evidence base used to guide trans-related policy and programs in Australia. Together, we can improve the health and wellbeing of trans communities!

For more info and to join TRANSform: https://www.transresearch.org.au/participate/transform

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An ongoing research project designed to investigate the health and wellbeing experiences of the Australian trans and gender diverse community.

05/03/2026

Trans and gender diverse people are more likely to experience Long COVID, compared to cisgender people. You can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection to you, your loved ones, and vulnerable community members (such as immunocompromised people) by:

✓ Keeping up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.

✓ Wearing masks where possible.

✓ Holding gatherings in well-ventilated areas or outdoors.

✓ Avoiding high-risk settings such as crowded indoor areas.

✓ Maintaining good hygiene (hand sanitiser, hand-washing).

To learn more about why trans and gender diverse people are at higher risk of lasting complications from COVID-19, and what the latest research says, read our summary here: https://www.transresearch.org.au/post/long-covid

Image description: Text displayed alongside a photo. The text reads, “Research blog post: Why are trans and gender diverse people at greater risk of Long COVID? How can we protect ourselves?” The photo, as described by the photographer Gritchelle Fallesgon (for Disabled and Here), shows the following: “Six disabled people of colour sit inside an art-filled bookstore, wearing a mix of KN-95 and N-95 masks in different shades. In the centre, a Black person sits in front of a couch, wearing glasses and noise-canceling headphones, while holding up a sign reading, “Together We Mask.” On their left, a Black person rests on their rollator and an Indigenous woman sits on the couch. On their right, a Latinx person sits on the couch with their cane resting against their legs, a Latinx woman sits on the floor, and an Asian person relaxes in their mobility scooter.” End description.

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03/03/2026

Late last year, we published an article in the Internal Medicine Journal, examining referral trends to all three tertiary gender clinics in Victoria between 2020 and 2024 (Monash, Austin, and the Royal Children's Hospital).

Using state-wide data, we found that new referrals peaked in 2021 and have since plateaued and declined, with 2024 showing the lowest number of referrals observed. This directly challenges claims of an ongoing or “exponential” rise in demand driven by so-called “social contagion”.

Importantly, our findings suggest a shift in where care is delivered, rather than a surge in the number of trans people seeking care. Over this period, Victoria has deliberately expanded primary care, community-based, and private services, alongside workforce training in trans and gender diverse health. These changes appear to be easing pressure on tertiary hospital clinics while maintaining access to care.

This study provides real-world population data to inform policy at a time when referral numbers are often misrepresented in political and media debates. It highlights that decentralising gender-affirming care is both feasible and effective, and that claims of runaway demand are not supported by evidence.

As always, good healthcare planning depends on accurate data, not ideology.

View publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.70265.

Image description: Text displayed alongside a photo. Text reads, “Healthcare research: No surge, no “contagion” in gender clinic referrals. State-wide data tell a different story to political rhetoric on trans and gender diverse healthcare”. Photo shows a woman standing at a receptionist desk, listening as the receptionist talks and gestures to a clipboard with a pen. The woman is wearing a flower-patterned top and clear-rimmed glasses, with a short, closely-cropped, undercut afro. She is smiling slightly. End description.

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Photo: PixelCatchers, iStock.

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.