GOAL
Transgender and gender diverse individuals may have unique stressors and traumatic experiences throughout their lives. These may impact epigenetic (see below to learn more about epigenetics) and stress markers in the body, which may impact physical health and aging. We aim to better understand epigenetic changes and other biomarkers of stress (ex. inflammation) in transgender patients and their association with stress and traumatic experiences unique to transgender individuals
WHO
Transgender women, transgender men, and gender diverse (non-binary, genderqueer, gender fluid, etc.) individuals
18 years or older
Have taken gender affirming hormones (ex. testosterone, estrogen, anti-androgens) for at least 1 year
WHAT
1.5 hour long study visit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Fill out a consent form
Complete a blood draw
Fill out a survey about stressful/traumatic life events, hormone use, and other demographic items.
COMPENSATION
$50 gift card
If interested in participating, please fill out this form: https://redcap.link/transESSENCE
CONTACT
Meg Quint (they/them/theirs) at mquint@bwh.harvard.edu or 617-525-9566 for more information
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetic markers are markers on your DNA that can change based on behavior and environment. The epigenetic changes can impact how your genes work, but they do NOT change the DNA sequence itself. These markers on your DNA can impact physical health. Watch the videos below for even more information about epigenetics.
