Interconnect Health Research’s aim is to develop co-designed, integrated, person-centred models of care to improve the physical and mental health of people with innate variations of sex characteristics (intersex variations/differences of sex development). This is being pursued via three Work Packages, each of which will have opportunities for members of the population to participate in research initiatives. Live and upcoming opportunities and information about how to get involved are listed below.
Participate in qualitative research on the health, well-being and experiences of people with innate variations of sex characteristics
People who have lived experience of an innate variation of sex characteristics and their parents or carers are invited to express interest in taking part in a study seeking to improve understanding of the health and well-being needs (including unmet needs) and experiences of the population.
The research study will involve an interview of approximately 1-1.5 hours in length, which will take place over the phone, via teleconferencing with video, or face-to-face (if requested and close to one of the participating universities). We will respect your language preferences, and you will be compensated for your time with a $90 giftcard.
Participants must be located in Australia, confident and comfortable communicating in English, and meet specific age criteria depending on location and other factors.
Upcoming survey to establish a national understanding of the health and wellbeing of people with innate variations of sex characteristics
The Interconnect Work Package 2 team is currently preparing to conduct a national survey on the health and wellbeing of people with innate variations of sex characteristics aged 16 and older in Australia. With this survey, we hope to capture a diversity of experiences, including those specific to different diagnoses or traits.
The survey is being developed in close consultation with community and expert advisors including people with diverse lived experiences of having an innate variation of sex characteristics. It aims to generate vital information about the health and wellbeing of people with IVSCs in Australia, and will be used to inform policies and practices to better protect and promote the health and wellbeing of this population.