Together, we're creating knowledge to help more trans/nonbinary young adults build fulfilling relationships.

The Whole Selves Project is a community-engaged research project exploring how trans/nonbinary young adults resist cisgenderism, racism, ableism, sizeism, and heterosexism—and their negative health consequences—through supportive romantic and platonic relationships.

Whole Selves is the work of a trans-led research team based at the Boston University School of Public Health. Click here to learn more about the research, including what we’ve learned so far.

If you’re a trans/nonbinary person interested in being part of this research, you can sign up for updates below. We’ll be announcing new ways to participate soon!

If you’re excited about this work, we’d love to connect! Email us at wsproj@bu.edu, sign up for updates above, or follow us on Instagram.

  • “[I]n my past relationships I was so determined to be attractive or desirable to my partners that I really leaned into my [assigned gender at birth]. It wasn’t until my current relationship that I felt released to explore myself outside of the perception or context of others.”

  • “I think every trans person deserves a relationship where they feel this much acceptance and understanding.”

  • “[O]utside factors...put a lot of strain on our relationship, and I do think that transphobia, dysphoria, and other gender-related issues contributed to those outside struggles.”

  • “Transition isn't something either of us expected at the beginning of our relationship, but...we continue to grow as people and our relationship continues to grow stronger as we mature.”

  • “Many of the topics related to how much my partner supports me or understands my gender identity also relate to our different experiences of race.”

  • “Sometimes it seems like my partner doesn't care about my gender identity or is apathetic to it. I wish he were more positive/supportive.”

  • “[B]eing in relationship with...people who accept and care for me in the fullness of my being has helped me tremendously to deal with the frustrations and pains of being a trans/nonbinary person in our society.”

  • “I feel a bit walled off from my partner since my transition, and I know that upsets her and makes her nervous, but we are working through it together and in couples therapy.”

  • “...Most often [being trans] feels isolating and lonely. My boyfriend has helped me in a hundred ways to feel more confident in my identity... But relationships are hard no matter what, and it is up to me to find the confidence within myself to express my authenticity within and outside of our relationship.”

  • “My current relationship, as a t4t relationship with another non-binary person, is healing me so deeply. I could’ve never asked for such a good thing to happen to me.”

  • “Without the support of my partner and my friends I don't think I would have made it this far.”