Collection Highlight: Advancing Transgender Health Equity
Published in Social Sciences and Public Health
In 2024, International Journal for Equity in Health launched an article collection on Advancing Transgender Health Equity as a response to the ongoing influx of submissions on this topic. With the submission deadline fast approaching, we examine the current publications through an SDG lens, particularly SDG 3, which sets the mission of ensuring 'healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages'.
The collection covers various publications from the UK to the US, Lebanon to Brazil, and though each deserves its single focus and analysis, almost all indicate that transgender individuals consistently report poorer mental and physical health compared to cisgender peers. Discrimination, stigma, and systemic barriers are often key drivers of these disparities.
As we ponder SDG3's motto of 'healthy lives for all', we must consider trans experiences in this context. It is well-documented that, due to fear of mistreatment, transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals may be more likely to avoid or delay accessing healthcare, which can ultimately lead to severe health consequences, so how can we guarantee that all means all?
There is still a lot of work to be done on the healthcare provider level, as many providers underestimate their own discriminatory behaviours, perpetuating biases that are damaging trans lives. There is a need for both training and structural reforms that enhance providers' knowledge and cultural competence, as it is still reported that some trans-specialists have "to be convinced of their patient’s transsexuality to carry out treatment" and have "doubts about whether some transgender individuals were suffering from gender incongruence or not". Equally concerning and noted is the uncertainty among healthcare providers regarding the classification of transsexuality as a mental illness.
Though these circumstances seem dire, they only fuel the need to advocate for improved conditions. Through research, education and policy changes, we can better understand diverse experiences and guarantee safer and equitable interventions that advance health equity - or, at the very least, demand it.
With more publications to come, we will broaden the conversation to other communities, recognising that minorities and marginalised groups often navigate on common ground, either by shared challenges, solidarity, or cultural intersections.
International Journal for Equity in Health is a BMC Open Access journal that presents evidence relevant to the search for, and attainment of, equity in health across and within countries. This can include the discussion of political, policy-related, economic, social and health systems- and services-related influences, particularly concerning identifying and understanding the systematic differences or the lived experiences of one or more aspects of health in population groups defined demographically, geographically, or socially.
Advancing Transgender Health Equity is hosted by the Editors-in-Chief, Dr Ana Lorena Ruano and Dr Pablo Gaitán-Rossi, and the Associate Editor, Dr Angel Phuti.
Submit your paper by 15 September 2025.
Rita is a Senior Publisher in the BMC Open Access Academic Journals team, managing a portfolio of journals in global and public health. She holds a Master’s in Publishing and Editing, and a BA in Languages, Literature, and Cultures.
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International Journal for Equity in Health
This journal presents evidence relevant to the search for, and attainment of, equity in health across and within countries and publishes research which improves the understanding of issues that influence the distribution of health and healthcare within populations.
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Migration and its effects on maternal and child health and nutrition
International Journal for Equity in Health is hosting a cross-journal Collection in collaboration with the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition.
This cross-journal Collection is seeking contributions showcasing research on the intersection of migration and maternal and child health and nutrition. Both forced and voluntary migration have become a global phenomenon with profound implications for mothers' and children’s health, nutrition, and overall well-being. This special edition will highlight diverse methodological approaches, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies, that contribute to a deeper understanding of health inequities among migrant populations and offer potential solutions to mitigate them.
This special issue aims to bridge gaps in the evidence base and promote research incorporating diverse disciplinary perspectives and methodological synergies. We welcome theoretical, review, and empirical contributions that enhance our understanding of the complex social, political, economic, and cultural determinants shaping the health of migrant women and children. In addition to the mentioned methodologies, several others can be incorporated to strengthen this research. Participatory and community-based methods, such as participatory action research (PAR), involve affected communities in all stages of the research process, ensuring relevance and applicability. Qualitative and ethnographic approaches, including in-depth interviews and focus groups, provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and social contexts influencing health. Longitudinal studies track health outcomes over time, offering insights into the long-term effects of migration. An intersectional approach considers how multiple identity factors intersect and affect health. Social network analysis explores the role of social connections in accessing healthcare and resources. Policy analysis methods assess how national and international policies impact migrant health, while big data and spatial analysis reveal trends across different regions and contexts. We encourage submissions that engage with affected communities, apply innovative methodological frameworks, and inform policy and practice.
Submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
Health disparities in migrant populations:
- Examining health inequities affecting migrant mothers and children.
- Identifying key determinants of health disparities in various migration contexts.
Nutritional challenges and interventions:
- Assessing the nutritional status of migrant mothers and children.
- Evaluating policies, interventions, and strategies aimed at addressing nutritional challenges among migrant populations.
Impact of migration policies:
- Analyzing how migration policies influence maternal and child health outcomes.
- Investigating the role of legal frameworks in shaping access to healthcare and nutrition for migrant populations.
Psychosocial well-being:
- Exploring the psychosocial effects of migration on maternal and child health.
- Assessing the role of social support systems in mitigating mental health challenges.
Community health and resilience:
- Investigating community-based approaches to improve the health and resilience of migrant populations.
- Understanding the role of cultural adaptation and integration in health outcomes.
Health systems and access to care:
- Examining how health systems address the needs of migrant mothers and children.
-Identifying innovative approaches to enhance healthcare accessibility and equity for migrant populations.
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 5, Gender Equality.
This collection is open for submissions from all authors on the condition that the manuscript falls within both the scope of the collection and the journal it is submitted to.
All submissions in this collection undergo the relevant journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief of the relevant journal. As an open access publication, participating journals levy an article processing fee (International Journal for Equity in Health, Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief of the journal where the article is being submitted.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Jan 30, 2026
Gendered Ageism in Healthcare: A Critical Analysis of Structural Inequities
As populations age globally, healthcare systems are faced with the challenge of responding equitably to the diverse needs of an ageing population. Yet, systemic barriers persist, particularly at the intersection of ageism and sexism. Gendered ageism, a phenomenon characterized by the compounded effects of these biases, has profound implications for the access to, the planning, delivery and outcomes of healthcare. It disproportionately impacts individuals marginalized by age, gender, and other intersecting factors, often silencing their voices and rendering their needs invisible within healthcare systems.
This special issue seeks to critically examine gendered ageism as a structural, social as well as ethical challenge in healthcare. Drawing on interdisciplinary insights, the issue will illuminate how healthcare systems often fail to meet the needs of older adults with intersecting identities. By bridging theoretical analysis with applied research, this collection will not only explore the mechanisms of marginalization but also propose actionable pathways to foster equity and inclusion.
Objectives of the Special Issue
1. Deepen Understanding: Uncover how gendered ageism manifests across healthcare systems, policies, and practices.
2. Highlight Intersectionality: Examine the compounded inequities experienced by older adults who face overlapping forms of marginalization.
3. Advance Equity: Offer interdisciplinary and practical solutions to dismantle structural barriers and improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Proposed Themes and Topics include but are not limited to:
•Structural mechanisms and systemic dynamics of gendered ageism in healthcare.
•Epistemic injustice and the silencing of marginalized voices in health contexts.
•The intersection of gendered ageism with other systemic inequities.
•Mental health and well-being in the context of gendered ageism.
•Ethical considerations in palliative and end-of-life care for older adults.
•Lived experiences of healthcare providers and patients in navigating gendered ageism.
•Public health ethics perspectives on gendered ageism and equity.
•Historical, legal, or policy-focused analyses of gendered ageism in healthcare.
•Global and cross-cultural perspectives on addressing gendered ageism.
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 5, Gender Equality.
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 10, Reduced Inequality.
All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Dec 19, 2025
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