COMMUNITY-DRIVEN RESEARCH
By Trans Folx, for Trans Folx
Our community led the development of this research, from survey construction to analysis. We facilitied focus group testing with peers of various backgrounds and intersectionalities. We worked in partnership with the Univeristy of Michigan to ensure data integrity in both design, and analysis.
This initiative was driven by the community, for the community.
Minority Stress Framework
The Meyer minority stress model ... is based on factors associated with various stressors and coping mechanisms and their impact on mental health outcomes... The model describes stress processes, including experiences of prejudice, expectations of rejection, hiding, concealing, internalized [stigma/discrimination] and ameliorative coping processes (Meyer, 2003).
The Minority Stress Perspective, Michael P. Dentato, PhD, MSW
COPING WITH DISCRIMINATION
Many in our community brace themselves in anticipation of discrimination. For some, this is a daily reality. Our research explored how pervasive this stress is throughout our daily life. Our research has been influenced by the Minority Stress Model, which indicates that chronic stress adversely affects health.
We are all fighting it together in our own ways.
Finding our Strength, 2016
Understanding the context is important: how much we worry about discrimination, as well as what spheres within our lives we feel this worry. Our research examined how we cope, exploring both passive, avoidant tactics as well as active responses to stress.
Our work aims to understand where correlations link between these factors and health indicators such as depression, anxiety and self-reported health.
We focused our research to understand the quality of social support structures (friend, family, special person), and assessed feelings of isolation. We examined levels of self-compassion, and also looked at mind-body compassion. We explored how much past trauma impacts daily life.
We sought to get to the heart of our day-to-day experience.
Here are some ways you can learn more about our findings.
SHARING OUR STRENGTH EXHBITION – through JAN. 6th 2018
Interactive learning experience, meets photogaphy/community artwork to display our research findings at the PITTMANN-PUCKETT GALLERY (Affirmations, Ferndale MI). While you can drop in during Affirmations’s regular hours, don’t miss our Research Team’s guided tours:
Learn more, here:
COPING WITH DISCRIMINATION: ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE T/GNC COMMUNITY
This survey report is intended to create awareness about trans lives, generate new perspectives
that can translate into greater individual and community resiliency, and stimulate public conversations that foster an environment that is affirming of the trans community.
Downloadthe full report, here:
We’re spreading our knowledge to better our community.
Our goal is to spread awareness on what hurts the community, and what helps. Intentional discussions with medical care providers, allies and workplaces about creating affirming environments for our community will greatly help both individuals and our community as a whole.
OUR RESEARCH HAS BEEN PRESENTED:
SHARING OUR STRENGTH
Hometown, Opening Exhibit for Research Results
Affirmations, Ferndale, MI
Perceptions of Healthcare Providers by the T/GNC Population
June, 2017
Lansing, MI
Coping Skills & Quality of Support: Correlations with Health
February, 2017
UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Providers Relationship Between Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy & Depressive Symptoms
December 2016
Las Vegas, Neveda
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