Considerations for Research with Trans Subjects and Communities:

1. The trans umbrella houses a wide variety of gender diverse identities. It is essential to be inclusive of the entire spectrum of identities when conducting research. While it is not necessary to include the entire spectrum in each study, it is important to accurately and sensitively record the experiences of those studied. Each identity area within the larger trans community deserves dedicated research and representation, particularly those which are often considered less visible. Further, it is important to avoid creating or enforcing hierarchies among trans identities.

2. It is paramount that appropriate, sensitive and inclusive language which is reflective of and validates chosen identities be used when describing participant demographics. Participants should be given every opportunity to self-identify themselves, and have those identifications included and respected – regardless of complexity.

3. It is mandatory that transpeople be respected by researchers and presented in a non-pathologizing manner that preserves a person’s right to self-determine their identities – regardless of origin.

4. It is essential that cultural differences, including language and identity preferences be respected. Extreme caution should be taken to examine one’s own cultural bias and make every effort to avoid imposing this bias on other cultures.

5. Transpeople exist at the crux of many multiple identities and related oppressions. Research must consistently include, address, and confront these multiple identities in all stages of the research process. Additionally, it is important to contextualize results – as it is likely that studies will not be able to be inclusive of the experiences of such largely stratified and diverse communities.

6. Studies which are trans-inclusive in name (eg. LGBT) must be inclusive in practice, or should not be labeled as such.

7. All aspects of the research process should be informed by transpeople and various trans communities. Transpeople should consistently be included as leaders and collaborators on research.

8. As with all research, is important to examine all research presumptions. Because gender is one of the most universally pervasive of all social constructs, this examination must be particularly thorough and thoughtful.

9. Just as it is important to actually report on the trans experience when conducting LGBT research, it is important to accurately reflect the trans experience. For example, the MTF and FTM experiences are not simply the opposite of one another. It is not safe to assume that because something applies to one part of the community that it will apply as well another part of the community.

- Created by Eli Green and lore m. dickey for Trans-Academics.org.