Grant: Catalyst Grant: Healthy Youth - 2SLGBTQI+ Youth

Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary (TTNB) youth experience disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes in comparison to cisgender peers. TTNB youth considering or accessing gender-specific healthcare (e.g., hormone therapy) have unique information needs and may experience difficulty accessing information to support healthcare decision making. Within the current sociopolitical climate, transgender health misinformation campaigns are forming a new barrier to evidence-based information and healthcare. For TTNB youth experiencing multiple, intersecting marginalizations (e.g., anti-trans bias, racism, poverty, ableism), barriers to health information and healthcare services can be magnified. This project will generate preliminary data on the unique information needs of TTNB youth using a participatory action approach, guided by a youth advisory team (YAT), and in collaboration with researchers, Indigenous leaders, and knowledge users. YAT members will build research and knowledge mobilization (KM) skills. Information priorities related to gender health and healthcare will be gathered from diverse TTNB youth across Canada (n = 300-500) through focus groups, Indigenous focus groups, and an online survey. The research literature, practice guidelines, expert clinicians, and the YAT will be consulted to determine which information needs constitute emerging research foci and which comprise KM gaps. A KM strategy will be developed and implemented to: share a youth-driven research agenda with interdisciplinary health researchers; create and disseminate information resources communicating evidence, Wise and best practices, and youth lived experience; distribute a community-friendly research report; and publish peer-reviewed papers. At a time when TTNB youth are faced with increasing hostility and misinformation, we can support equity and improve health and wellness of diverse TTNB youth in Canada by collaboratively taking action to address health information needs.