Guidance and Ethical Considerations for Undertaking Transgender Health Research and Institutional Review Boards Adjudicating this Research

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to create a set of provisional criteria for Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to refer to when assessing the ethical orientation of transgender health research proposals. We began by searching for literature on this topic using databases and the reference lists of key articles, resulting in a preliminary set of criteria. We then collaborated to develop the following nine guidelines: (1) Whenever possible, research should be grounded, from inception to dissemination, in a meaningful collaboration with community stakeholders; (2) language and framing of transgender health research should be non-stigmatizing; (3) research should be disseminated back to the community; (4) the diversity of the transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) community should be accurately reflected and sensitively reflected; (5) informed consent must be meaningful, without coercion or undue influence; (6) the protection of participant confidentiality should be paramount; (7) alternative consent procedures should be considered for TGGD minors; (8) research should align with current professional standards that refute conversion, reorientation, or reparative therapy; and (9) IRBs should guard against the temptation to avoid, limit, or delay research on this subject.

Developing a critical trans gerontology

“…Recently, researchers have outlined ethical guidelines on research with trans populations, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, sensitivity to language and historic context, and recognizing the emotional labour asked of research participants (Adams et al ; Vincent ). Although not specifically focusing on age, such guidance is practically helpful for designing research that centres the experiences and concerns of older trans people and contributes to service and policy development.…”

Utilizing Mixed Methodology to Increase Cultural Competency in Research with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Individuals

“…Adams et al reviewed ethical considerations in trans health research and developed guidelines in work with this population. 6 The researchers' guidelines inform the importance of mixed methods research with TGNC individuals, including suggestion of partnership with community stakeholders at all stages of the research process. In addition, the researchers recognize the importance of language in research with the TGNC community and suggest ''nonstigmatizing'' language in research.…”

“…In addition, it became clear that further consideration is needed in consultation with stakeholders during all aspects of the research process, including research design, implementation and execution, and dissemination. 6,28 Embracing a culturally competent approach to the research process, not only does research benefit from consultation with community stakeholders, but also research collaborations with stakeholders at all levels of data collection, interpretation, and writing allow for further advances in the field. Thus, although piloting research may be an initial first step in increasing culturally competent research with a TGNC population, further research utilizing stakeholders is warranted for both improving research design and increasing valid normed measures for use with this population.…”

Nutrition-Related Messages Shared Among the Online Transgender Community: A Netnography of YouTube Vloggers

“…Both researchers identify as cisgender and heterosexual; for this reason, the researchers closely followed the guidance and ethical considerations for publishing transgender research by Adams et al, and consulted with a member of the transgender community when developing the research strategy. 23…”

“…22 Usage of publicly available blogs and SNSs of transgender individuals may even provide an opportunity to amplify the voices and perspectives of the transgender community. 23…”