iHear TransMHPrep
Identifying trans affirmative best practices in providing care during public health emergencies.
Duration
2024 - Ongoing
Location
Madhya Pradesh, India (nation-wide data to be collected)
Investigators
Dr. Anant Bhan
Contact
Overview
Research shows that transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) persons were disproportionately affected during the COVID-19 pandemic in accessing healthcare in comparison to their cis-gender counterparts. During such public health crises, healthcare responses would often leave out transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people pushing them to the margins.
Reflections from the experiences of service providers and civil society organizations (CSOs) can better inform policy considerations for future public health emergencies.
The research team is co-led by TGD persons in consultation with a community advisory board (CAB) that provides a space for co-learning between academic researchers and community partners and long-term community engagement.
Rationale
Despite the significant mental healthcare burden, TGD persons report limited use of mental health services. This is due to negative experiences with providers and fear of being pathologized, a lack of trans affirmative service providers, and affordability while seeking mental healthcare.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, trans and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals were disproportionately impacted. This is because they were already facing challenges within healthcare and social systems which drastically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current study aims to understand and document the experiences of mental health professionals and CSOs in providing mental health and psychosocial support to TGD persons during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It further aims to inform best practices to ensure pandemic preparedness for TGD persons.
Progress till date
The project set up a community advisory board (CAB) which met in March 2024 to provide insights on inquiry, research methods, and topic guides. The CAB comprises of
Aritra (she/they), Clinical Psychologist
Aryan (he/him), Psychotherapist, Guftagu Therapy
Busaina (she/they), Peer Support Provider, DEI
Bala Shanti (she/her), Psychiatrist- Project Coordinator PSDM
KP (they/them), Assistant Professor TISS
Nay (they/them), Peer Support Provider, DEI
Pooja (she/her), Consultant MHP, MHI
Tanvi (they/them), Peer Support Provider PhD Scholar, SOAS
ID: A PPT Slide with the TransMHPrep CAB Members, their pictures, names, pronouns, and affiliations.