I received this press release today and thought some of you would be interested in participating in TransActive’s study–they’re looking at the effects of family support and acceptance on transgender and gender-nonconforming kids.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Portland, Oregon – January 24, 2011

TransActive Education & Advocacy, a leading national organization serving the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming children, youth and their families is in the beginning stages of conducting a national PRE and POST research study on the impact that affirmation of a child or youth’s gender non-conforming identity or expression has had on the youth and their family. 

The goal of this research is to evaluate the responses and eventually educate others on the effectiveness of providing supportive and affirming care to transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth.

Specifically, we are requesting:

1. A narrative account (min. 500 words) of your child’s emotional, behavioral, and physical health and family and social interactions PRIOR to being affirmed (supported) in their gender identity or gender expression. 

2. A narrative account (min. 500 words) of your child’s emotional, behavioral, and physical health and family and social interactions AFTER being affirmed (supported) in their gender identity or gender expression. 

It would be helpful to our study if you included an account of changes you’ve observed in any of the following areas: (This is completely optional, and at your discretion) 

Behavior 
Personality 
Self-esteem 
Emotions / Mood 
Relationships 
Health 
School performance 
Socialization
Family interactions 

This is an ongoing study and there is no current deadline for submissions. 

To Participate:

Share your narrative account in whichever format works best for you (plain text, Word, etc.) by sending them to TransActive by email or postal mail. 
Please enter “Narrative Account” in the subject line or header and send it to: 

Email: 
research@transactiveonline.org

Postal Mail: 
TransActive Education & Advocacy 
Attn: Sheryl Rindel, LPC, NCC 
1631 NE Broadway 
Ste. 355-T 
Portland, OR  97232 

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. While certain generalized details of your narrative may be used in our study or for educational purposes, absolutely no personal or identifying information (including specific geographic locations) will be included in any published research materials. 

If you have any additional questions about this study or research, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 503-252-3000 or email your inquiry to:info@transactiveonline.org

Further Research Participation Opportunities: 
If you would be willing to participating in future surveys and/or interviews for this or other future research projects please indicate your interest when sending your narrative accounts. 

Thank you. 

Jenn Burleton 
Executive Director 
TransActive Education & Advocacy