Kai Jacobsen
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
As a trans person researching trans health, I am passionate about research that catalyzes social and systemic change to improve the health and well-being of my community. For too long, research on trans people has been conducted by cisgender outsiders and has often perpetuated stigma and pathologizing attitudes. Research topics have not always aligned with trans people’s needs and priorities or led to meaningful improvements in trans lives. Only recently have trans people been considered credible experts on our own experiences. Both personally and professionally, I have seen how research that does not accurately reflect the experiences of the trans community leads to inaccessible and invalidating health care services. Conversely, I have seen how community-based research can empower queer and trans communities and make meaningful contributions to designing and improving health care systems. I decided to pursue a PhD to gain the skills I needed to bridge the worlds of academia, community, and health care.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC is a top research university with many resources available to support community-engaged research and impactful knowledge translation. I am keen to join UBC initiatives related to community-based research and knowledge translation, such as the Public Scholars Initiative and the Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes. These programs and networks will facilitate the connections and skill building I need to accomplish my goals.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Trans health research urgently needs interdisciplinary leaders who can bridge the divides between scientific research, health care policy and practice, and trans communities. The UBC Interdisciplinary Studies PhD program provides the flexibility, training, and mentorship I need to become one such leader. I was drawn to UBC by the opportunity to work with my co-supervisors, who are experts in knowledge translation and queer and trans health research.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I grew up in Vancouver and can't wait to be back by the ocean again! But after 7 years away, I'm sure I'll be surprised by many new buildings and construction projects around the city.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My interest in 2S/LGBTQ+ health promotion began as a young person who benefited greatly from peer-led community programs for queer and trans youth. During my BA and MA degrees in sociology, I developed a critical understanding of the structural and social forces that shape queer and trans lives. Most impactful was my work as a research assistant on several community-based health research projects, where I saw how community-based research could combine the wisdom and values of 2S/LGBTQ+ communities with the data-driven insights of rigorous scientific research.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I enjoy urban cycling, lake swimming, reading queer romance novels, baking desserts, and poorly playing Mario Kart.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Community is key. Having a supportive network of fellow grad students is important to have people who understand the unique stressors and politics of academia, but having friends outside the university is also important in staying grounded and connected to the 'real world.'
Learn more about Kai's research
Trans and nonbinary people experience much worse mental health and access to health care compared to cisgender people. However, many trans people find that their mental health is much better after receiving gender-affirming medical interventions, such as hormones and chest or genital surgeries. Typically, gender-affirming care focuses on reducing dysphoria or distress related to conflict between a trans individual’s gender identity and sex assigned at birth. However, many trans people also report experiencing increased gender euphoria (positive gender-related emotions) from gender-affirming care. While gender euphoria is linked to improved mental health and well-being, there is very little research on gender euphoria. Specifically, there is no research on how healthcare providers can help promote gender euphoria through gender-affirming care. This research seeks to fill this gap by identifying patient preferences and promising practices for how healthcare providers can promote gender euphoria to improve the health and well-being of trans people. Using qualitative interviews and a community advisory board, research methods will center the voices and lived experiences of trans people themselves. The findings will be used to help healthcare providers improve the quality of care they provide for their trans patients. Ultimately, improved gender-affirming care will lead to better mental health and well-being for trans people.