Nothing About Us, Without Us: Are We Asking the Right Questions in Transgender Research?

The document emphasizes the need for more research in transgender health, particularly in the area of the neovaginal microbiome of trans women. It points out that only three studies have attempted to explore this area, despite extensive research on the vaginal microbiome of cis women. To address this, the authors initiated the Transbiome project, which aims to profile the bacterial and fungal species in up to 50 samples from trans women, and explore correlations with factors like surgery technique and postoperative care. The document also highlights other under-researched areas in transgender health, such as the effects of hormone therapy, and advocates for a participatory approach to research, involving the transgender community in setting research agendas and designing protocols.