Dear community, 

Thank you for your interest in supporting Soul Soil Research Institute's Gender-affirming Care Needs Assessment. Inspired by the success of funds distribution within the reproductive justice movement, we are conducting a needs assessment to understand the practical and financial support required on the ground for trans and nonbinary people to access medically necessary care. Our research will gather critical information needed to build funding structures that can make financial and practical support for gender-affirming medical interventions more widely accessible nationwide. 

Soul Soil Research Institute is a subsidiary of Soul Soil Collective Farm, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Baltimore, MD; all donations are tax-exempt.

In September 2023, we were fortunate to receive a generous grant from Reprocare to launch this needs assessment. Dr. Gebhard completed a literature review of published recent national and regional studies which revealed useful information regarding desire for gender-affirming surgery among the trans and nonbinary (TNB) population, the limited availability of healthcare insurance coverage for gender-affirming medical care (GAMC), and some information regarding the financial barriers faced by TNB people seeking care. Dr. Gebhard also connected with researchers around the country already engaged in projects that will inform our needs assessment, and began building a coalition of researchers and organizations who will support and advise on this project. 

The next step will be to conduct on-the-ground research. Our initial study will map out the availability and accessibility of existing financial and practical support from local and regional trans and/or LGBTQ community organizations, and gather their insight into barriers preventing trans and nonbinary adults and adolescents from access medical care, as well as insight into best strategies for better supporting their medical needs. Key research questions are outlined in this document.

To bring immediate impact, we have set an ambitious goal: securing $75,000 by June 2024. This will fund two part-time researchers, development, and research participant fees, crucial for the success of our mission.

Here is a breakdown of the budget for this critical period:

Budget

• $50,000: Salary for two part-time (20 hours/week) researchers for 6 months at $25,000/person.

• $10,000: Research costs including paying participants. Estimated n=75-100, $100/hour for 0.5-2 hours each, to provide equitable and just compensation for making the time and giving the emotional energy to participate in the study.

• $5,000: Travel costs for researchers to conferences, interviews.

• $10,000: Salary for a fundraiser/outreach coordinator who will fundraise, build relationships with donors, and network for latter studies. One person @ $48/hour for 8 hours/week, 6 months.

Your support can make a meaningful impact, enabling us to take an important step towards bridging the gaps in access to gender-affirming care. Together, we can contribute to the well-being and resilience of trans*/NB and gender-expansive individuals.

If you have any questions or would like more details, please feel free to reach out. Your generosity will be a catalyst for positive change.

Thank you for considering our mission.

Warm regards,

Kris Gebhard, PhD, Licensed Psychologist

Kris@soulsoilresearch.org

Soul Soil Research Institute