Documenting research with transgender, gender non-binary, and other gender diverse (trans) people: an evidence map and ethical analysis

Abstract

This work critically examines and documents the approaches researchers have taken to studying transgender, gender non-binary, and other gender diverse (trans) individuals and communities. It applies systematic review methods, including evidence mapping, to demonstrate new ways of studying researchers and research ethics. This dissertation documents trans research across a broad range of fields and identifies evidence gaps and opportunities for more responsible research with trans individuals and communities. Incorporating mixed methods design, the study includes a systematic evidence map of 690 trans-focused empirical studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2014, an ethical analysis examining research challenges and recommendations for positive change, and a cross-sectional study investigating the relative risk of clinical photographs of trans people published in peer-reviewed journal articles appearing openly on the internet. It presents a detailed ethnographic content analysis of key ethical challenges related to research focus and study design, data collection and reporting, data analysis, and publishing practices. Recommendations to researchers, research ethics committees, and publishers highlight the need for vigilance with respect to study design (particularly, attention to how and why we divide people into gender categories and the implications of those choices) and publishing practices (emphasising public engagement, open science, and the potential of critical data studies to increase access to research that includes trans people). This study is innovative, the first of its kind to draw attention to trans people as research subjects, and the first to examine trans research ethics using systematic review methodologies. The Global Trans Research Evidence Map is also unique, incorporating qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and clinical research from multiple fields of investigation. This study, by providing critical insights into how to engage in inclusive, respectful, and responsible research with trans individuals and communities, has broader implications for the ethics of research with marginalized communities and for innovations in methods to examine research ethics.