The Trans Accountability Project: Community Engagement to Address Structural Marginalization and Health Inequities.

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Health equity
• Social determinants of health

Background:

• Black and Latina transgender women experience systemic marginalization, leading to increased vulnerability to social stress and poor health outcomes.
• Limited access to resources hinders these communities' ability to mobilize and pursue health equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on a community partnership engaging Black and Latina transgender communities on Chicago's South and West Sides.
• To establish service priorities for collective empowerment within these communities.

Main Methods:

• Established the Trans Accountability Project (TAP), a steering committee of transgender and nonbinary representatives.
• Utilized World café and human-centered design methods for community needs assessment through listening sessions.
• Conducted activities focused on ideal healthcare providers, employment, and safety planning.

Main Results:

• Sixty-three participants envisioned innovations for accessible, holistic gender-affirming healthcare.
• Participants identified needs for autonomous, flexible, community-focused employment opportunities.
• Envisioned safer social interactions and spaces were also highlighted.

Conclusions:

• The Trans Accountability Project (TAP) prioritized accountability, connectedness, and centering community voices to address structural marginalization.
• Key insights directed TAP's focus toward employment and collective care initiatives.
• TAP serves as a mechanism for power sharing, improved communication, and increased transparency among Chicago community-based organizations.