Education
Social
Action
for collective
Organizing · Teaching · Research
Current Study
Training therapists about gender affirmation and inclusivity
Aims of this study
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To develop case studies that teach mental health professionals about trans and nonbinary health in an anti-oppressive and intersectional manner.
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To ensure trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer voices lead the development of these case studies. We position the lived experiences of trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer people as essential forms of expertise that must be reflected in the training provided to mental health professionals engaging in inclusive and gender affirmative care.
What does the tool look like?
The tool has 3 case studies of trans and nonbinary patients, each with
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questions about what the clinician would do to help the trans or nonbinary patient
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educational feedback on each case study
All case studies were created by trans and nonbinary people.
What are the potential impacts?
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Once completed, this tool may be used in clinical courses, as a self-assessment, and within program evaluations.
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The tool may promote social accountability and trans health knowledge in mental health professionals who may be in a better position to support trans and nonbinary people.
This study is funded by the following:
This study has been approved by the Toronto Metropolitan University Research Ethics Board (REB; 2023-26).
Research Team
"Nothing about us without us"
Our research team is made up of six people: four nonbinary people, one trans person, and one cisgender person. We all have diverse identities across ethno-racial backgrounds, disabilities, neurodivergence, and immigration experiences. Our nonbinary members have led the development of the educational tool. We work within the fields of clinical, health, and critical psychology as well as education. Our project is associated with the SHiFT Lab (Sexuality Hub: Integrating Feminist Theory) under the guidance of Dr. Maria Gurevich (PI, mgurevic@torontomu.ca) at Toronto Metropolitan University. Our primary researchers include two grassroots activists:
JANE MAO
BScH, SXGD, MEd | they/them
Jane holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology, a Certificate in Sexual and Gender Diversity and a Master’s of Education from Queen’s University. They draw from their grassroots community organizing experiences to inform their degree, and they hope to utilize the power of education for resistance and collective liberation.
Currently, Jane is at UBC Faculty of Medicine working as an Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Faculty Feedback and Support Manager.
SOFIA MELENDEZ RON
BScH, MEd, MA, PhD Student| they/she
Inspired by Mexican Feminist and Queer social movements, Sofia's works to disrupt harmful gender norms and restructure mental health services to better support trans people of diverse backgrounds.
Drawing from their Master of Education and training in clinical psychology, Sofia trains leaders about gender inclusivity and social accountability, among other anti-oppressive topics. She has also led a team of scholars across North America to create resources for instructors on how to integrate gender affirming practices in higher education.
Our aim is to ensure that trans and nonbinary people’s voices and expertise are reflected at every stage of the research process.
Recruitment
for this study has now closed
We had over 100 interested trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer people take our eligibility survey! Thank you for your engagement, our research team is beyond grateful!
Questions? Send us an email!
