Gender Diversity Study

We would like to invite you to take part in a study about your experiences of gender diversity. This study is conducted by Anneke Wray, a PhD candidate with the School of Social Sciences and Psychology, at the University of Western Sydney. Anneke Wray is under the Supervision of Professor Kerry Robinson, an academic with the School of Social Sciences and Psychology, at the University of Western Sydney. The study is an unfunded project, conducted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of the study is to develop an understanding and awareness of the experiences of the gender diverse community, and how the decision to tell, or not tell, others about your gender diversity has affected your experience and interactions with others.

Why are you invited?

You are invited because you are a person who identifies as gender-diverse.

Who can take part?

People of 18 years or older who:

• Are gender diverse, or hold a gender diverse history. You may identify as one of the following: transgender, transsexual, transitioned, of trans* history, gender queer.

• Hold a different gender identity to that assigned to you at birth.

Do you have a choice?

Participation is voluntary. If you decide not to be involved, there will be no negative consequences. You can change your mind and quit the study at any time and you don't have to give any reasons if you don't want to.

What does this study involve?

You will be asked to complete an online survey about your thoughts, decisions and experiences around telling people about your gender history. You will also be asked about your experiences of people finding out your gender history, and to discuss the concept of ‘passing’. You will be asked how your experiences and decisions around this discussion have changed in different places or at different times.

At the end of the survey, you will be given an option of further participation in an interview.

You may not receive any direct benefit from this study. However, you may find that discussing your experiences provides you with a greater understanding of yourself and your experiences. This study will also create greater community awareness of the unique experiences of the gender diverse community.

Are there any risks?

We know answering questions or talking about your gender diversity can be difficult, so if you decide to take part in the study, we will do whatever we can to make sure you feel safe and comfortable.

If you have some discomfort or experience strong emotions after completing the survey, and feel as though you would like to talk to someone, please feel free to contact one of the numbers below, where trained staff are ready to take your call and provide the appropriate service to you.

Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) - 24 hour service

Qlife, an LGBTI service - 1800 184 527 - 5:30pm-10:30pm service

Confidentiality/Privacy

Everything you give or say to us will be confidential. No one will know you have taken part in this study except those you tell or the researcher involved in the study. We will make sure no one will find out that you have taken part. All your information will be stored safely and securely at the University of Western Sydney.

Will taking part in this study cost me anything, and will I be paid?

Participation in the survey will not cost you anything and there is no payment.

What will happen with the results?

The findings of the research will be disseminated as part of a doctoral thesis, and may also be submitted for publication in an academic journal.

*Please note that the minimum retention period for data collection is five years.

Complaints

This study has been approved by the University of Western Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee. The Approval number is H10429

If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this research, you may contact the Ethics Committee through the Office of Research Services on Tel +61 2 4736 0229 Fax +61 2 4736 0013 or email humanethics@uws.edu.au.

Contact details

If you have some questions and would like to know more about the study or experience any problems while on the study, please contact the researcher, Anneke Wray, on 0403 387 763 or anneke.wray@uws.edu.au.

Consent

Participation in this study is voluntary and you’re free to withdraw from the study at any time. If you have read this information and are happy to participate in this study, please click “I agree” below to begin the survey.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this study.