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Trans Health Research at the 2024 WPATH Conference, Portugal

Updated: Nov 14


 

Three colleagues standing together, smiling and wearing lanyards
Left to right: Dr Brendan Nolan, Dr Sav Zwickl, and A/Prof Ada Cheung at the WPATH Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

During the last week of September 2024, three of our research team members - A/Prof Ada Cheung, Dr Brendan Nolan, and Dr Sav Zwickl – travelled to Lisbon, Portugal for the bi-annual World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) Conference.


With over 1500 in-person attendees, this was a fantastic opportunity to spotlight the Trans Health Research team’s latest research on a global stage, and for networking with leading international trans health clinicians, researchers, and advocates.


A woman standing at a podium and speaking into a microphone
A/Prof Ada Cheung presenting at the WPATH Conference.

Endocrinologist and researcher Ada Cheung presented twice during the conference. In her first presentation, Ada presented on behalf of PhD Student Dr Toan Tang, focusing on changes in scalp hair over the first 6 months of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Ada’s second presentation explored changes in troponin (a protein related to heart health) over the first 12 months of GAHT.


A man standing at a podium and speaking into a microphone
Dr Brendan Nolan presenting on Estradiol implants in Lisbon, Portugal.

Fellow endocrinologist and researcher Dr Brendan Nolan presented three oral presentations and 1 poster presentation over the 4-day conference, including on the topics of (i) oestradiol implants, (ii) quality of life with early access to testosterone therapy, (iii) low-dose testosterone for non-binary people and (iv) high-dose micronised progesterone on sleep outcomes in trans adults.


His presentation on oestradiol implants as a long-lasting (12+ month) treatment option with high patient satisfaction drew particular interest, as oestradiol implants are uncommon outside Australia.


A large group of people standing together and smiling
Dr Sav Zwickl (front row, center) with some of the attendees of the TPATH event.

Dr Sav Zwickl, lead researcher of the TRANSform project, also gave two presentations at the conference. The first covered key findings from our recently published study on trans people’s experiences of sport and fitness participation, and the second provided reflections on community co-designed and trans-led research.


While in Lisbon, Sav also attended an event co-hosted by the Transgender Professional Association of Transgender Health (TPATH) and local Portuguese trans activists. In the context of escalating anti-trans sentiments, this was an important and rare in-person opportunity to build connections with other trans researchers, clinicians and community members from across the globe. Two of these trans people – Cal Horton from the UK and Jennifer Shields from Aotearoa New Zealand, have both shared insightful reports on their experience of the WPATH Conference.


The next WPATH Conference will be held in Mexico in 2026.


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