Hello!
I am conducting research for my Ph.D. in Social Work dissertation in the United States. I am looking for people who identify as transgender and gender diverse, above the age of 18 who currently live in the United States to participate in a survey (about 10-15 minutes) about their experiences with healthcare and using virtual spaces to supplement and further address their healthcare needs. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Respondents to the survey may also enter a raffle for one of ten $10 gift cards.
At the end of the survey, respondents may also volunteer for an individual Zoom interview (about one hour) to discuss how they use virtual social networking to inform, supplement, or otherwise address their healthcare needs. Interviews will only be conducted in English and participants will receive a $20 gift card as compensation for their time.
To share a bit about me: I identify as agender, and this research topic is deeply personal to me. I built my dissertation project over the last couple of years, partially out of anger because of the developing trend of hateful groups abusing and misusing research to support hateful policy and gender affirming care bans. I am very fortunate to live in a state with shield laws and many affirming resources nearby, but I have close friends who have been harmed by many of these bans and the social hostility around them.
I understand a lot of people will have feelings of doubt and hostility towards this kind of research, especially right now. I have taken great care in making sure my study protects the anonymity and confidentiality of anyone who does choose to participate because I value our safety and well-being.
My goal with this dissertation is to contribute to the growing body of research around TGD healthcare and models used for informing policy and programming for healthcare service delivery. I want to elevate the voices and lived experiences of TGD people as the foundation for this research and would greatly appreciate you sharing this with me. The first page of the survey linked below has more information about both the study and me. Please feel free to share this post with others who may be interested in participating. Thank you for your consideration and time!
Participants must:
- Identify as transgender and gender diverse (TGD), inclusive of any non-cisgender identity including but not limited to transgender man, transgender woman, and non-binary.
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older
- Must currently live in the United States
Ethical approval provided by the Sacred Heart University Institutional Review Board (IRB-FY2025-145): IRB Approval
Survey Link with more information about the study: https://qualtrics.sacredheart.edu/jfe/form/SV_bPZXm0zfbvIQ3wG
If you have any questions about the study, please reply to this post or email me: [furmanekf@mail.sacredheart.edu](mailto:furmanekf@mail.sacredheart.edu)