Towards Transformative Healthcare – Case Studies

The ‘Towards Transformative Healthcare’ project is proud to introduce a collection of case studies to go with the Trans Health Module!

Introduction to case studies

Across Asia and the Pacific region, trans and gender-diverse people face significant barriers in accessing quality healthcare ranging from stigma and discrimination to lack of provider knowledge and barriers to institutional support. 

These case studies were developed as a practical learning tool to support APTN’s Towards Transformative Healthcare: Asia Pacific Trans Health and Rights Module to encourage deeper understanding and reflection using real-world scenarios and lived experiences.

Each case study is shared by community members, healthcare providers, and advocates in the region; and are meant to provide gender-affirming, respectful and inclusive care and support for trans and gender-diverse people.

How do I use this guide?

These case studies are designed as a learning tool to help healthcare professionals, students and institutional leaders examine how systemic bias and transphobia affect access to care and patient well-being. 

This document includes: 

• Case studies that covers different situations that trans-inclusive healthcare providers and trans and gender-diverse people often go through 
• Discussion questions to guide critical reflection on individual, institutional, and systemic levels of responsibility
• A section titled ‘Exploring the Barrier’, which provides an evidence-based overview of the broader social, legal, and administrative challenges faced by trans and gender-diverse people in healthcare systems. 
• A section titled ‘ Pathways Towards Inclusive and Affirming Care’ that offers practical recommendations and models for institutional reform, provider training, and patient-centered approaches.

By engaging with the case studies through practice and reflection, we hope that participants will be able to: 

• Understand key concepts and challenges in trans health in the Asia and Pacific context. 
• Identify ways to apply gender-affirming principles in healthcare and community settings. 
• Practice effective communication, empathy, and decision-making skills through role-play and group discussion. 
• Reflect on biases and assumptions to strengthen inclusive practices.

We encourage you to stay tuned for further updates, complete the APTN’s Towards Transformative Health Module, and keep us informed about your ongoing commitment to providing affirming and high-quality care for trans and gender-diverse people!