Transgender and gender-diverse young people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), including transgender boys, nonbinary youth, and others, face real sexual health disparities. Existing pregnancy and HIV prevention programs are designed for cisgender girls and do not meet the needs of AFAB trans youth, leaving this group without programs that speak to their lives. #TranscendentHealth is a text messaging sexual health program developed specifically for AFAB transgender and gender-diverse youth ages 14 to 18. It builds on Girl2Girl, a program shown to improve sexual health behaviors in LGB+ cisgender girls, and updates the content to reflect the identities, relationships, and health needs of AFAB trans youth. The study has two parts. In the first part, AFAB trans youth help shape the program through focus groups, Content Advisory Teams (youth review panels that give feedback on program messages), and a small pilot test. In the second part, a national randomized controlled trial enrolls 467 AFAB transgender youth ages 14 to 18 across the United States. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either #TranscendentHealth or a general sexual health text messaging program. Both programs are delivered entirely by text message over 5 months, with no in-person visits required. Youth complete short online surveys at the start of the program, at program end (5 months), and at 3 and 6 months after the program ends. The study's main goals are to determine whether #TranscendentHealth improves rates of condom-protected sex, use of other birth control methods (such as the pill, shot, or IUD), and HIV/STI testing. Secondary goals include reducing unintended pregnancy, increasing PrEP uptake among eligible participants, and improving intentions to use sexual health services.
Age range
14 Years – 18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Rate of Condom-Protected Sex
Timeframe: Month 5 (program end), 3 months post-program end, 6 months post-program end
% of Participants who Report Use of Birth Control Other Than Condoms
Timeframe: Month 5 (program end), 3 months post-program end, 6 months post-program end
Rate of HIV and STI Testing
Timeframe: Month 5 (program end), 3 months post-program end, 6 months post-program end