Thank you for your interest in this research study, conducted in association with Sarah Lawrence College and approved by the Sarah Lawrence College IRB. Please read the following information and ask any questions you may have before deciding whether or not to participate.
What is the purpose of this study?
The goal of this research study is to examine the impact of prerequisites for medical transition, such as letters, previous treatments, or therapy, on transgender individual, and how those requirements affect communication between the patient and healthcare provider.
Why am I being asked to participate?
You are being asked to participate because you are 18 years or older, identify as transgender, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming, and have transition-related health care experience.
What will I be asked to do?
As a participant in this study, you will fill out the following 15 minute survey, which includes multiple choice and short answer questions about transition-related medical care you have experienced, the prerequisites you may have had to fulfill, and how you communicate with your healthcare providers.
Following the survey, information will be provided if you wish to participate in a 30-45 minute interview. It is completely optional, and not required as part of the survey.
Is my participation voluntary?
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary, and at any time you may choose to opt out of the study without explanation. Doing so will not affect your relationship with Sarah Lawrence College or the researcher. You may choose to not answer any questions without justifying your decision.
Are there any benefits or risks associated with my participation in this study?
There is no direct benefit associated with your participation, and participants will not be compensated. I hope the information you provide will contribute to improvement of transgender healthcare.
The content of the survey relates to your experiences during medical transition. Some questions may potentially trigger emotional distress. Please carefully consider the potential emotional impact of participating in this study before consenting. You are not required to finish the survey, and make use of the crisis hotlines provided if necessary.
Will the information I provide be kept confidential?
Participants will not be identified in any written or oral report of the research study. Data will only be accessible by the researcher and his faculty research supervisor.
Due to the online format, the security cannot be guaranteed, but your IP address, email address, and other personal information will not be recorded.
You will be asked to provide a 5 digit participant number, which will only be used if you choose to participate in an interview.
If I have any questions or concerns after the study, how can I contact you?
Please contact the researcher, Nat Kenyon at nkenyon@gm.slc.edu, or the faculty advisor, Kim Ferguson at kferguson@sarahlawrence.edu, with any questions regarding your participation.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my rights as a research participant?
You should contact Elizabeth Johnston, co-chair of the IRB at Sarah Lawrence College. She can be reached through email at irb@sarahlawrence.edu or by telephone at 203-722-3287.