Trans Health Research

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 inters*x 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.

13/12/2025

On December 14th, HIV Cure Research Day, we want to express our heartfelt thanks and solidarity to HIV researchers across the world, particularly those with lived experience.

Today gives us the opportunity to spread awareness about the importance of HIV cure research, and to celebrate the incredible and life-saving wins that have been made in the field so far.

People living with HIV, many of whom are researchers and advocates themselves, have been international trailblazers in peer-led practices. They continue to inspire us to push for more peer leadership within trans and gender diverse health research.

Our communities have benefitted greatly from HIV cure research, and although data are limited, they suggest that HIV is less prevalent amongst Australian trans people compared to overseas. Moving forward, improvements in how we collect gender information will ensure that trans people are counted, and receive the best care possible.

This blog post, by our collaborator Joël Murray, shares information about trans and gender diverse people living with HIV in Australia: https://www.transresearch.org.au/post/__hiv

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How many trans people are living with HIV in Australia?

10/12/2025

We’re proud to share our latest publication in the International Journal of Transgender Health: Efficacy of a Co-Designed Transgender Health Training Program for Primary Care General Practitioners.

This study evaluated a trans-led, co-designed training program developed with the support of Thorne Harbour Health and the Victorian Government. It was led by Julian Grace, Foster Skewis, Sav Zwickl, Samantha Clune, Vic Harden, Michelle Dutton, Peter Locke, Shalem Leemaqz, and Ada Cheung.

The six-hour course, created by cis, trans, and gender diverse clinicians, significantly improved GPs’ confidence, knowledge, and access to collegial support in providing gender-affirming care.

Every participating GP reported that the training would change their practice. Co-design by trans professionals was rated as the most appealing feature, highlighting how lived experience leadership drives better learning and better care.

This research strengthens the evidence for funding trans-led training to build healthcare capacity and ensure culturally safe, affirming care for trans and gender diverse communities.

Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2025.2583469

Image description: A photo displayed alongside text. The photo shows study leaders Julian Grace and Michelle Dutton presenting at the 2025 AusPATH conference. The pair are standing at a podium onstage. Julian, wearing a white shirt and grey trousers, has short dark hair and is gesturing as they speak into a microphone. Michelle, wearing a black shirt and blue trousers, has shoulder-length wavy blonde hair, and is listening to Julian speak. An audience member can be seen in the foreground, looking up at the large presentation screen onstage. Text accompanying the photo reads, “Six hours of GP training. Lasting impact for their trans patients,” followed by a brief description of the photo. End description.

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08/12/2025

Closing the final plenary at AusPATH came with a moment of immense pride for our whole team. We were absolutely thrilled to see Dr Sav Zwickl awarded the AusPATH Best Early Career Researcher Award, recognising their outstanding leadership across TRANSform, community-led research, and national advocacy. Equally exciting was Dr Lachie Angus receiving the AusPATH Best Paper by an Early Career Researcher Award for his PhD study, Effect of Spironolactone and Cyproterone Acetate on Breast Growth in Transgender People: A Randomized Clinical Trial; a landmark contribution to evidence-based gender-affirming care.

Both Sav and Lachie have had a stellar year, driving rigorous science, strengthening community partnerships, and shaping the future of trans and gender diverse health research in Australia. We couldn’t be prouder.

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03/12/2025

Day 2 at AusPATH brought our full Trans Health Research Group together with 500+ delegates. Sav opened with five-year TRANSform findings. In Adult Endocrinology/Surgery, Lachie reported on anti-androgens and body composition, Nhi on proteomic changes during feminising GAHT, Brendan on mental health treatment utilisation post-GAHT, and Silver on met and unmet gender-affirming care needs.

Julian presented the results of a co-designed GP training program. In Adult Care, chaired by Sav, Foster reported long-term informed-consent outcomes, and Eli presented on ge***al atrophy/pain in people using testosterone. Sav and Julian joined the Trans Researchers in Trans Research panel, and Ada contributed to a symposium on positive exercise engagement.

Day 3 opened with a plenary featuring Rodney Croome on advocacy in Lutruwita/Tasmania, followed by a confronting update from Queensland on proposed bans on youth gender-affirming care. Ada concluded the session with an overview of Medicare-supported surgery access.

In Politics and Human Rights, Sav presented national data on anti-trans rhetoric, discriminatory policies, violence, and mental health outcomes. In Hormones and Surgery, our group shared new research; Arden’s 24-month body composition results, Brendan’s audit of estradiol implants, Toan’s trial of sublingual minoxidil, and Den’s findings on immune-system changes during feminising hormone therapy.

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02/12/2025

Recently, the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH) held a conference in Nipaluna/Hobart, attended by a multidisciplinary audience of clinicians, researchers, specialists, and practitioners of many kinds. Trans Health Research was honoured to attend.

Day 1 of AusPATH set a brilliant tone, with our team leading three packed and energising workshops.

Julian Grace chaired Workshop 2: Allied Health for Medical/Nursing Clinicians, offering a sharp and practical update on chest binding, pelvic pain, movement and exercise, eating disorders, and much more.

Sav Zwickl chaired Workshop 7: Beyond the Clinic, bringing together panellists from Transgender Victoria, Working It Out, and Engender Equality for a powerful conversation on community-led priorities and support pathways.

Brendan Nolan chaired Workshop 6: Complex Case Discussions, guiding an engaged room through nuanced endocrine, fertility, and s*xual health scenarios in gender-affirming care.

The depth of expertise across these sessions highlighted how interdisciplinary, community-centred care is built.

Image description: Text displayed alongside five photos. The text discusses day one of AusPATH, as previously written. The photos, from top left to bottom right, show: Four people onstage, in front of a large screen which reads, “Pelvic Health Physio”. Five people onstage, in front of a large screen which reads, “Allied Health for Trans People: Stuff you need to know!” Kat Walker presenting onstage at a podium. Dr Sav Zwickl presenting onstage at a podium. Dr Brendan Nolan presenting onstage at a podium. End description.

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01/12/2025

Recently, five of our team members presented on a range of trans health topics at the Qu**rsInScience LGBTQIA+ STEMM Day, hosted at Swinburne University of Technology.

Sav reflected on the changing landscape of trans health care and research. Silver presented their Masters research on rates, desire, and motives for gender-affirming care. Arden provided an overview of research on impacts of gender-affirming hormone therapy on fitness. Eli and Julian discussed the high rates of neurodivergence in trans communities, and how this impacts our approaches to research and our team dynamics.

Learn more about our research:

Peer-reviewed publications: https://www.transresearch.org.au/peerreviewedpublications

Research blog posts: https://www.transresearch.org.au/blog

Image description: Text displayed alongside four photos. The text discusses the Qu**rs in Science event, as previously written. From top left to bottom right, the photos show Silver, Arden, Sav, and Eli presenting in front of a large presentation screen. The presenters are wearing semi-formal clothing and lanyards. End description.

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27/11/2025

Recently, our team had the joy of watching Dr Sav Zwickl deliver a brilliantly clear and powerful presentation at the inaugural University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences Diversity and Inclusion Conference, held at the Science Gallery.

Sav outlined the current state of trans health in Australia with striking clarity, then moved seamlessly into practical, evidence-based strategies for researchers, clinicians, and educators to strengthen inclusion. Their guidance was concrete and immediately actionable:

-Use the two-step method for s*x and gender data collection, to ensure accuracy and inclusion.

-Adopt gender-neutral, person-centred language in clinical care (e.g. “pregnant people”).

-Include chosen names and pronouns, s*x and gender on clinic intake forms.

-Integrate trans-inclusive curricula and normalise trans experiences in teaching.

-Use trans-inclusive scenarios and examples in training and assessment.

-Call out discrimination and model respectful practice in all settings.

Sav’s message landed with clarity and purpose; a powerful reminder of the role each of us plays in improving trans and gender diverse health.

See more about including our community in research https://www.transresearch.org.au/including-trans-people

Image description: Text and the Trans Health Research logo displayed alongside two photos. The text reads, “Practical strategies to improve trans and gender diverse health through inclusive policies: Presentation by Dr Sav Zwickl at the Diversity and Inclusion Conference”. The left photo shows Sav standing at a podium onstage, with a large screen behind them displaying imagery and text which reads, “Clinicians, Researchers, and Educators as Trans Allies: How We Can All Help to Address Trans Health Disparities”. The right photo is a headshot photo of Sav speaking into a microphone, wearing glasses, a polo shirt, and a University of Melbourne name tag. They have dyed blond hair. End description.

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25/11/2025

Some genuinely good news for our community! Victorian Births, Deaths, and Marriages has updated its processes so that changing your s*x marker (or changing your name at the same time) is now free of charge.

This removes a financial barrier that has affected so many people, and will make the process far more accessible for trans and gender diverse Victorians.

You can read the updated information here: https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/change-your-record-s*x-adult-born-victoria -and-postage

It’s a small but meaningful step towards reducing the admin and cost burden on our communities, and it’s wonderful to see this change finally in place.

Image description: Text displayed alongside a photo. The text reads, “Community victory: Change your name and s*x for free in Victoria!” The photo shows a non-binary person standing outdoors, holding up their ID card and smiling happily. They have dark hair with dyed blue tips, facial and ear piercings, and are wearing a black shirt. End description.

Photo: Sheila Alonso, iStock.

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