Explore Community-Led Research Initiatives

Advancing Knowledge for Trans & Gender Diverse Empowerment

Join us as we delve into groundbreaking projects that redefine integrative health and well-being, led by and for the trans/gender diverse community.

Get Involved
photograph of a library<br />

From Insights to Impact

Our flagship survey went beyond gathering data – it sparked a movement. Our first community-led survey expanded into a line of equity-advancing research and the development of robust programs, services, and health-promoting resources.

Educating Healthcare Professionals

Educational programs, podcasts, reports and publications for health professionals about gender journey diversity and the need for gender-affirming healthcare.

Multi-Media Interactive Exhibition

A multi-media exhibit that traveled across Michigan to paint a vivid picture of the lives of respondents through word, art, and voice. Check out the digital archive. 

Research Seminars

Research seminars about best practices in recruiting and retaining transgender/gender diverse individuals in qualitative studies

Guide for Researchers

Identified key research priorities and developed best practices for trans health research.

Research Partnerships

Research partnerships with the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, School of Social Work, and Social Research Institute, RTI International, and Wayne State University to advance health equity.

Multi-Media Interactive Exhibition

A multi-media exhibit that traveled across Michigan to paint a vivid picture of the lives of respondents through word, art, and voice. 

Expanded Research

Focus groups of exploring how researchers can overcome barriers to Black and Latine engagement in research; a survey of Michigan transgender/gender diverse individuals about their experiences, barriers and facilitators to care; and a virtual, peer-led, pilot intervention to advance findings in an applied, experiential program. 

Enhanced Peer Support

Transcend launched peer support and peer counseling programs for trans/gender diverse folks of all ages and their families.

Trans Summer Camp

Supportive summer youth programming for a trans youth camp, in partnership with Camp Talahi Retreat & Nature Center.

Emotional Wellness Virtual Intervention

A virtual, peer-led wellness program developed by and for trans/gender diverse Michiganders to skill-build resiliency. 

Wellness Workers Summit

A virtual summit for trans/gender diverse/gender non-conforming wellness workers who provide emotional support to the community. 

Studies

U

type

topics

Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance Pilot Intervention (2023)

learn more

Trans Health Research Advisory Board Study (2019)

learn more
No results found.

Research Products

U

type

topics

Findings from a Survey of the U.S. Transgender/Gender Diverse Community Regarding Experienced Daily Worry about Discrimination and Actions Taken to Cope with Such Worry.

An image with a dark gray background that reads, "Finding Our Strength Survey" In the bottom right corner, there is a light blue chevron banner that reads, "Report"
learn more

HPP Podcast: Exploring Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance

Image of mountains under a pink sky. White text reads, "HPP Podcast: Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance". In the lower right corner, there's a dark teal chevron banner that reads, "podcast"
learn more

The Journey Behind “Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance”

An image of mountains and a pink sky. Text in white reads, "Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance" Under the white text, there's a horizontal line. Under the horizontal line, there's more white text that reads, "The Journey..." In the bottom right corner, there's a dark teal chevron banner with the words "Journal Article" in it
learn more

Amplifying Voices: Insights from Black and Latine Transgender Communities in Research

An image with a blue and pink watercolor background and drawing of a microphone. White text reads, "Amplifying Voices" In the lower right corner, there's a pink chevron banner with the words, "Journal Article"
learn more

Findings from the Trans Health Research Advisory Board

Image with vector art of two hands around a heart that reads, "Findings From the Trans Health Research Advisory Board" on the bottom right, there's a blue-green chevron banner that reads, "Report"
learn more

Understanding Trans/Gender Diverse Health: A Community Report from the Michigan Trans Health Survey

Image of a person with purple hair wearing a trans pride flag as a cape. To the right, there's a pink image of the outline of Michigan and the letters, "MTHS". On the bottom right, there's a pink chevron banner that reads, "Report"
learn more
No results found.

Collaborate with Us for Meaningful Change

Partner with the Transcend Research Circle to leverage our expertise in focus groups, cognitive interviewing, and innovative research design. Together, we can create impactful solutions that resonate with the community.

Get Involved

Our Complete Work

Community Reports
Finding Our Strength

Lewis, N. JW., Batra, P., Misiolek, B. A., Rockafellow, S., & Tupper, C. A. (2017). Finding our strength survey: Actions taken to cope with discrimination by the transgender/gender non-conforming community. Transcend the Binary. https://transcendthebinary.org/finding-our-strength-2016-report

Michigan Trans Health Research Advisory Board

Misiolek, B. A., & Kattari, S. K., (2020). Trans health research: Research priorities, best practices, and dissemination guidelines created by the Michigan trans health research advisory board. Transcend the Binary. https://transcendthebinary.org/thrab

Michigan Trans Health Survey 

Cogswell, C., Tupper, M., McCoy, H., Misiolek, B.A., Gross, E.B., & Kattari, S.K. (2023) Understanding Trans/Gender Diverse Health in Michigan: A community report based on the Michigan Trans Health Survey. Ferndale, MI: Transcend the Binary & the University of Michigan. https://transcendthebinary.org/MTHS 

 

Publications
Your Voice Matters

Misiolek, B. A., Lewis, N. JW., Batra, P., Hicks, L., & Tupper, C.A. (2024). Engaging Black and Latine transgender and gender diverse persons: Advice from a community-based focus group. RTI Press Publication. https://doi.org/10.3768/rtipress.2024.rb.0039.2410

Michigan Trans Health Survey

Shires, D., Kattari, L., Hill, H., Anderson-Carpenter, K., Misiolek, B. A., & Kattari, S. K. (2024). Differences between transgender and gender diverse adults in Michigan currently using gender-affirming hormone therapy and non-users reporting interest in future use. LGBT Health. 11(6), 446–454. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2022.0289

Lacombe-Duncan, A., Kattari, S. K., Kattari, L., Scheim, A., & Misiolek, B. A. (2023). Sexually transmitted infection testing among transgender and nonbinary persons: Results of a community-based cross-sectional survey. Sexual Health. 20(1), 87-91. https://doi.org/10.1071/SH22128

Kattari, L., Hill, H., Shires, D. A., Prieto, L. R., Modi, I. K., Misiolek, B. A., & Kattari, S. K. (2022). Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults. Transgender Health. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/trgh.2022.0059

Kattari, S. K., Kattari, L., Lacombe-Duncan, A., Shelton, J., & Misiolek, B. A. (2022). Differential experiences of sexual, physical, and emotional intimate partner violence among transgender and gender diverse adults. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 37(23-24), NP23281-NP23305. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221078805

Lacombe-Duncan, A., Kattari, L., Kattari, S. K., Scheim, A. I., Alexander, F., Yonce, S., & Misiolek, B. A. (2022). HIV testing among transgender and nonbinary persons in Michigan, United States: Results of a community-based survey. Journal of the International AIDS Society, 25 Suppl 5(Suppl 5), e25972. https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25972

Prieto, L., Shires, D.A., Kattari, L., Modi, I., Misiolek, B. A., & Kattari, S.K. (2021) Secondary analysis of the Michigan Transgender Health Survey examining HIV and STI screening use among transmasculine individuals. Annals of LGBTQ Public and Population Health. DOI:10.1891/LGBTQ-2021-0025

Kattari, S. K., Kattari, L., Johnson, I., Lacombe-Duncan, A., & Misiolek, B. A. (2020). Differential experiences of mental health among trans/gender diverse adults in Michigan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (18), 6805. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186805

Kattari, S. K., Curley, K. M., Bakko, M., & Misiolek, B. A. (2020). Development and validation of the Trans-inclusive provider scale. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 58(5), 707–714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2019.12.005

Finding Our Strength

Lewis, N. JW., Batra, P., Misiolek, B. A., Rockafellow, S., & Tupper, C. A. (2019). Transgender/gender non-conforming adults’ worries and coping actions related to discrimination: Relevance to pharmacists’ care. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 76(8), 512-520. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxz023

Lewis, N. JW, Rockafellow, S., Misiolek, B. A., & Earls, J. (2019, March 27). Creating gender-affirming pharmacy practice environments and services. Michigan Pharmacy Association, Pharmacy News in Innovative Practice. 

Misiolek, B. A., & Herrle, D. A., (2017-2018). Sharing Our Strength: A research-meets-art exhibit from Finding Our Strength Survey [Exhibit]. Affirmations LGBT Center, University of Michigan, Oakland University, and online. https://transcendthebinary.org/exhibit-finding-our-strength 

Lewis, N. JW., Batra, P., Misiolek, B. A., Rockafellow, S., & Tupper, C. A. (2017). Finding our strength survey: Actions taken to cope with discrimination by the transgender/gender non-conforming community. Transcend the Binary. https://www.transcendthebinary.org/findingourstrength

Michigan Trans Health Research Advisory Board

Misiolek, B. A., & Kattari, S. K., (2020). Trans health research: Research priorities, best practices, and dissemination guidelines created by the Michigan trans health research advisory board. Transcend the Binary. https://www.transcendthebinary.org/thrab

Op-EDs

Misiolek, B. A. (2019, February 27). OP-ED: Let’s continue the conversation: Suicide. Pride Source. https://pridesource.com/article/lets-continue-the-conversation-suicide/

Presentations

Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance Pilot Study
  • McGhee, C., Misiolek, B.A., & Kattari, S. K. (2024, September). Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance: A Community-Developed Wellness Intervention. [Oral presentation] 2nd International Trans Studies Conference. Evanston, Illinois.
  • Misiolek, B. A., McGhee, C., & Kattari, S. K. (2023, July). Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance: A pilot program developed by and for the trans/gender diverse community to advance emotional wellness and resilience. [Webinar] YouTube. https://youtu.be/95dzQLcdX_s?si=1zEqzgQTmCVpFyfc
Michigan Trans Health Survey
  • Ribeiro Brown, B., Lacombe-Duncan, A., Kattari, S. K., Kluger, H., Emrick, R., Alexander, F., Kattari, L., Niedzwiecki, A., & Misiolek, B. A. (2025, January). “My identity is up for inspection”: A Qualitative Exploration of Intersectional Stigma as a barrier to non-HIV STI care among transgender and gender diverse adults. [Oral presentation under review] Society for Social Work and Research 29th Annual Conference. Seattle, Washington.
  • Lacombe-Duncan, A., Kattari, S.K., Emrick, B., Alexander, F., Kattari, L., Kluger, H., Scheim, A., & Misiolek, B. A. (2023, April). Improving non-HIV STI testing access among trans and nonbinary people: Results of a community-based mixed-methods study. [Oral presentation] 5th European Professional Association for Transgender Health (EPATH) Conference. Killarney, Ireland.
  • Lacombe-Duncan, A., Kattari, L., Kattari, K., Scheim, A.I., Alexander, F., Yonce, S. & Misiolek, B. A. (2023, January). Barriers and facilitators to HIV testing among transgender and nonbinary persons in Michigan, United States: Results of a community-based survey. [Oral presentation] 27th Annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference. Phoenix, AZ.
  • Gerke, D.R., Kattari, S.K., Lacombe-Duncan, A., Call, J., & Misiolek, B. A. (2022, July). Examining PrEP cascade engagement in a statewide sample of transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse adults in the United States. [Poster presentation]. 24th International AIDS Conference, Montreal, Canada.
  • Kattari, L., Hill, H., Shires, D.A., Prieto, L. R., Modi, I.K., Misiolek, B. A., & Kattari, S.K. (2021, November). Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse Among Transgender Adults. [Oral presentation]. Council on Social Work Education 67th Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL.
  • Kattari, L., Johnson, I., Lacombe-Duncan, A., & Misiolek, B. A. (2021, November). Differential experiences of mental health among transgender and gender diverse adults. [Oral presentation]. Council on Social Work Education 67th Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL.
  • Kattari, S. K., Bakko, M., Curley, K. M., & Misiolek, B. A. (2021, January). Trans-Inclusive Provider Scale. [Paper presentation]. Society for Social Work Research Annual Conference.
  • Kattari, S. K. & Misiolek, B. A. (2019, June). Beyond a binary: Transgender and nonbinary health care in Michigan and nationwide. [Workshop presentation]. Michigan Primary Care Association Michigan LGBTQ Health Conference, Detroit, MI.
  • Kattari, S. K. & Misiolek, B. A. (2019, June). Findings on the 2018 Michigan trans health survey. [Oral presentation]. Fourth Annual Michigan Primary Care Association LGBTQ Health Summit, Detroit, MI.
     Finding Our Strength Survey
    • Misiolek, B. A., Lewis, N. JW., Batra, P., Tupper, C. A., & Cogswell, C. N. (2022, August). Transgender adults’ worry about discrimination in healthcare: Community-driven research. [Oral presentation]. European Society of Medicine 2022 General Assembly, Madrid, Spain.
    • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Lewis, N. JW., Batra, P., & Rockafellow, S. (2019, November). Community-led research: Transgender non-conforming leadership and empowerment deliver actionable results. [Oral presentation]. American Public Health Association 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo, Philadelphia, PA.
    • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Lewis, N. JW., & Batra, P. (2018, November) Finding our Strength: The daily lives of trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) adults. [Oral presentation]. University of Michigan Institute of Social Research, Ann Arbor, MI.
    • Lewis, N. JW, Rockafellow, S., Misiolek, B. A., Batra, P., & Tupper, C. A. (2017, November). Finding our Strength survey results: Perceptions of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals by transgender/gender non-conforming adults. [Poster presentation]. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
    • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Lewis, N. JW., & Batra, P. (2017, February). Support, coping skills, and health determinants. [Oral presentation]. World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) U.S. Inaugural Scientific Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
        Your Voice Matters Focus Group
        • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Lewis, N. JW., & Batra, P. (2022, March). Engaging Black and Latine trans/gender diverse adults in community-led research. [Virtual oral presentation]. University of Michigan Institute of Social Research. Ann Arbor, MI.
        Healthcare Provider Presentations
        • Misiolek, B. A., & Cogswell, C. (2022, April). Treating our trans patients. [Virtual oral presentation]. University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI.
        • Cogswell, C., & Misiolek, B. A. (2021, October). LBGTQ+ health and education series: Treating our trans patients. [Virtual oral presentation]. American Public Health Association Pharmacy Section. Virtual.
        • Misiolek, B. A., & Cogswell, C. (2021, April). Trans health care panel and conversation. [Virtual oral presentation]. University of Michigan Interprofessional Health Students Organization. Ann Arbor, MI.
        • Misiolek, B. A. (2019, February). Gender identity and health for older adults. [Guest lecture]. University of Michigan Department of Psychology PSYCH 211-004 Health, Illness and Society course, Ann Arbor, MI.
        • Misiolek, B. A. (2018, October). Gender identity and health for older adults. [Guest lecturer]. University of Michigan Department of Psychology PSYCH 211-004 Health, Illness and Society course, Ann Arbor, MI.
        • Misiolek, B. A. (2018, February). Gender identity and health for older adults. [Guest lecture]. University of Michigan Department of Psychology PSYCH 211-004 Health, Illness and Society course, Ann Arbor, MI.
        • Misiolek, B. A. (2017, October). Gender identity and health for older adults. [Guest lecture]. University of Michigan Department of Psychology PSYCH 211-004 Health, Illness and Society course, Ann Arbor, MI.
        • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Schmidt, P., Lewis, N. JW., & Shaw-Andrade, M., et al. (2017, June). Perceptions of healthcare providers and avoidance coping. [Poster presentation]. Second Annual Michigan LGBTQ Health Summit, Lansing, MI.
        • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Jones, D., & Schmidt, P. (2016, May). Coping skills: A provider’s toolkit for empowering patients. [Oral presentation]. TransOhio Trans and Ally Symposium, Columbus, OH.
        • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Jones, D., & Schmidt, P. (2016, May). Integrated care: Incorporating shared experience. [Oral presentation]. TransOhio Trans and Ally Symposium, Columbus, OH.
        • Misiolek, B. A., & Jones, D. (2016, May). Are we listening? A call to providers of transgender healthcare. [Keynote presentation]. Annual TransOhio Trans and Ally Symposium, Columbus, OH.
          Community-Engaged Research & Community-Centered Care
          • Misiolek, B. A., Kwabena, A. N., & Perone, A. (2019, June). Building community participatory research. [Panelist, conference session.] Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University 2nd Annual Community-Engaged Research Symposium, Detroit, MI.
          • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Lewis, N. JW., Shaw-Andrade, M., Earls, J., & Cogswell, C. (2019, January). Grassroots organizing: Cross-collaborations across discipline and generations. [Oral presentation] National LGBTQ Task Force Creating Change 2019 Conference Cross-generational Institute, Detroit, MI.
          • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Schmidt, P., Lewis, N. JW., & Shaw-Andrade, M. (2017, June). Collective impact model of care for the trans and gender non-conforming community. [Oral presentation]. Second Annual Michigan LGBTQ Health Summit, Lansing, MI.
          • Misiolek, B. A., Tupper, C. A., Lewis, N. JW., Schmidt, P., & Shaw-Andrade, M., et al. (2017, February). Building a grassroots care model. [Poster presentation]. World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) U.S. Inaugural Scientific Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
          • Misiolek, B. A. (2016, November). Centering the community in care: Lessons learned from my co-founder. [Oral presentation]. Transgender Day of Empowerment by Gender-Identity Network Alliance and Affirmations, Ferndale, MI.
          Community-Empowerment
          • Misiolek, B. A., Earls, J. (2018, September). Embrace your strength. [Oral presentation]. Transgender Day of Empowerment by Gender-Identity Network Alliance and Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.

          Podcasts