Trans PULSE (Ontario) was a community-based research (CBR) project that was created to respond to problems identified within Ontario trans communities regarding access to health and social services. We were particularly interested in understanding the ways in which social exclusion, cisnormativity (the belief that trans identities or bodies are less authentic or “normal”), and transphobia shape the provision of services for trans people. We also wanted to know how these in turn may affect health. Areas that have been looked at in detail include social determinants of health, sexual health, HIV vulnerability, mental health, experiences with family, access to health care services, and gender-affirming medical care.
As a CBR project, the involvement of community members at all stages of this project was crucial as we strove to ensure that the research was meaningful, relevant, and empowering. The Trans PULSE “Steering Committee” was comprised of three allies and five community members who contributed their unique personal and professional experiences and skills to ensuring the success and relevance of the research.
The project was initiated in 2004, originally thought to be a one year project; Trans PULSE (Ontario) was then funded through multiple grants through 2014, with data analysis and publication continuing for several years afterward. It consisted of both qualitative (focus groups and interviews) and quantitative (survey) components, as well as action-oriented knowledge dissemination strategies. The goal of these combined approaches was to engage and provide community members, advocates, health and social service providers, policy makers and allies with the information necessary to change policies and practices to improve the health and well-being of trans communities in Ontario and beyond.
Funding for Phase I of this project was provided by the Toronto-based Wellesley Institute and the Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN). Funding for Phase II and III of Trans PULSE was provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Trans PULSE (Ontario) led to the expansion of the team to a national community-based study: Trans PULSE Canada. Trans PULSE Canada will collect national survey data beginning in July of 2019 through a voluntary community census of trans and non-binary people, with specific data collection for nine priority populations within trans and non-binary community: Indigenous gender-diverse persons, those living with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, sex workers, and those who are racialized, non-binary, youth, older, or living in rural or remote areas.