Developing Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance: A Virtual Peer-Support Wellness Intervention by and for Trans/Gender...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Community-Based Research

Background:

• Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations experience significant mental health disparities and healthcare access barriers in the U.S.
• Existing support systems often fail to adequately address the unique needs of the TGD community.
• Community-based participatory research is crucial for developing effective and culturally relevant interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance (TWTB), a virtual wellness intervention for TGD individuals in Michigan.
• To enhance resilience, self-compassion, and community connectedness among TGD people.
• To create an accessible, peer-led program that can be implemented by community advocates.

Main Methods:

• Community stakeholders were interviewed to identify needs and desired program objectives.
• An 8-week virtual, peer-support curriculum was designed based on stakeholder input.
• A focus group assessed the intervention's desirability and anticipated effectiveness before finalization.

Main Results:

• The Trans Wellness, Trans Brilliance (TWTB) intervention was successfully developed through a collaborative, iterative process.
• The program was designed to be virtually accessible and implementable by community advocates.
• Community input was integral in shaping the intervention's content and structure.

Conclusions:

• The TWTB program represents an innovative, community-driven approach to addressing mental health disparities in the TGD population.
• Virtual, peer-supported interventions can effectively enhance well-being and community connection for TGD individuals.
• Community-based research partnerships are vital for creating tailored and impactful health interventions.