Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Improving Healthcare for Transgender Individuals Transgender individuals face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, including limited access to affirming providers, discriminatory practices, and geographic or financial constraints. These barriers lead to poorer health outcomes, especially in mental health and primary care. Existing interventions often focus on individual providers but fail to address the systemic root causes of inequity. Crucially, the people most affected, transgender individuals, are often excluded from deciding which structural changes are needed. My research seeks to address this by identifying and prioritizing key structural interventions to make healthcare more inclusive. I will conduct a three-phase study: first, a review of existing interventions; second, a survey to capture the priorities of transgender individuals, healthcare professionals, and experts; and third, interviews to explore how these interventions could be implemented in Canadian settings. Impact By centering transgender voices and focusing on systemic solutions, this research will generate a clear, evidence-based roadmap for equitable healthcare. This project has multiple levels of impact. For individuals, it will improve access to affirming care, leading to better health outcomes and quality of life. At the population level, my findings will guide practical strategies to reduce health disparities, particularly for those also facing challenges linked to race, age, or income. For the health system, this study will provide a blueprint for policymakers and leaders to create a more inclusive and responsive health system for all Canadians. Ultimately, by ensuring transgender voices lead the way, this project will strengthen equity in Canadian healthcare and demonstrate the tangible value of publicly funded research.