The Trans Women and HIV Research Initiative (TWIRI) would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land where we reside and conduct the majority of our work: the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations People. We are in the “Dish With One Spoon Territory”, a treaty with the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee peoples.
About us
Welcome to TWIRI, the Trans Women HIV Research Initiative. We're made up of a diverse team of researchers, clinicians, community workers, and advocates working to promote the health and social welfare of trans women living with and affected by HIV.
There is very little research being done with this important population. At TWIRI, we take a community-driven, interdisciplinary approach. We work from an intersectional feminist anti-oppressive framework and we use principles of community-based research (CBR). Community members are engaged as expert team members who support the design and implementation of research at all steps, and lead social change.
TWIRI would not be possible without our participants; thank you all for sharing your stories and working with us to create change.
Mission
The Trans Women and HIV Research Initiative emerged to address significant knowledge gaps as trans people make up a historically underserved population in research. TWIRI marks a significant expansion of the Women & HIV Research Program, conducting mixed-methods and community-based research on the current climate of trans health in Canada. TWIRI’s numerous sub-studies and publications are supported by a knowledge-translation plan focused on expanding the initiative’s national and international reach to build awareness, consciousness, and encourage trainees to focus on this important topic. Additionally, TWIRI commits to principles of community-based research, with trans women at the forefront working as researchers, coordinators, and assistants.
Values
Integrity: TWIRI believes that integrity, acting in an honest and responsible manner, is of the utmost importance. It includes being accountable for our actions and transparent with our community.
Respect: TWIRI seeks to act in a way that recognizes the inherent value and worth of each person. This extends to acting in a manner that acknowledges the diverse lived experiences and identities of all, supporting the informed choices of the individual, and working as partners with our community members.
Equity: TWIRI understands that health disparities follow from systemic inequalities, as well as historical and ongoing violence that marginalizes communities. TWIRI aims to raise consciousness, disseminate knowledge and information, and advocate for action and change.
TWIRI envisions a world that proactively educates itself on the experiences of trans women living with and affected by HIV. We aim to achieve this mission by creating and sharing accessible, trans-specific knowledge exchange platforms that promote the health and social wellbeing of all identities on the trans spectrum.