LIGHT Study
The Longitudinal Immunology Study of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy is investigating the impact of GAHT on immune systems.
There are three participant groups:
People newly starting GAHT.
People already on GAHT with autoimmune conditions.
Cisgender comparator group.
Disabled and Here
According to existing research, male and female immune systems behave differently. So, what happens when someone starts gender-affirming hormones? That is the question at the heart of the LIGHT Study, and you can help us answer it.
To participate and learn more, email or call Kylie King:
Location
Study visits will take place at:
Austin Health.
300 Waterdale Rd, Ivanhoe, Victoria.
What's Involved
Taking part means giving a blood sample and some health information at the start, then again at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Your gender identity will always be respected, your correct pronouns will always be used, and your contribution to gender diverse healthcare will be hugely appreciated.
Participant Groups
Group 1: People newly starting GAHT.
We will monitor changes to your immune system over the first 12 months of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).
Group 2: People already on GAHT, with an autoimmune condition.
If you are a trans or gender diverse person already on GAHT, and you live with an autoimmune condition, your experience sits at exactly the intersection we need to understand. Your involvement could help answer questions that have barely been asked, let alone studied.
Group 3: Cisgender comparator group.
By taking part, you help us work out what is driven by hormones and what is not, which makes the findings far more reliable and far more useful for trans and gender diverse people.
Materials
A3 poster (designed for print)
A4 poster (designed for print)
A4 poster (designed for digital viewing)
Research Background
We previously discussed the concept of sexual dimorphism in immune function and showed that GAHT can change epigenetic marks in blood and markers in the blood, changing these profile towards the opposite sex.
This research is supported by the Allen Distinguished Investigator program, a Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group advised program of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. This study has been approved by the Austin Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/102307/Austin-2023).