Adrian Popescu, PhD

Adrian Popescu is a leading researcher and educator in the field of transgender health and LGBT rights, with over 12 years of experience designing inclusive programs, conducting applied research, and advocating for evidence-based policies. His work bridges academic research, public health initiatives, and community-led projects, with a focus on improving access to healthcare, mental health support, and educational resources for transgender and non-binary communities.

Specialization

Transgender Health & Wellbeing
LGBT Mental Health
Policy Development for Inclusive Education
Community-Based Participatory Research
Sexual Health & Rights Advocacy

Education

2006–2010: BA in Psychology, University of Bucharest
2010–2012: MSc in Public Health, University of Amsterdam
2012–2016: PhD in Gender and Sexuality Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Professional Experience

2012–2015: Research Associate, Romanian LGBT Rights Organization
2015–2019: Senior Researcher, European Trans Health Network
2019–Present: Director of Trans Health Programs, Global LGBT Health Initiative
Consultant for WHO and UNDP on transgender health policies and program evaluation

Research Cases and Project Highlights

Case Study: "Access to Hormone Therapy in Eastern Europe" (2017–2018) Result: Surveyed 1,200 trans individuals across 6 countries; published findings showing a 35% improvement in awareness of safe hormone access after community workshops.
Project: "Trans Youth Mental Health Program" (2019–2021) Result: Developed school-based support interventions in Romania and Hungary; reported a 28% reduction in self-reported anxiety among participants.
Study: "Inclusive Sexual Education Curriculum for LGBT Teens" (2020–2022) Result: Pilot program implemented in 15 schools, improving understanding of gender diversity by 42% in pre/post assessments.

Selected Quotes

"Transgender youth deserve healthcare that respects their identity and autonomy." – Adrian Popescu, 2021
"Inclusive policies are not just moral imperatives; they save lives." – Adrian Popescu, Global LGBT Health Summit 2020

Selected Scientific Publications

Popescu, A. (2022). "Mental Health Interventions for Transgender Adolescents in Eastern Europe." International Journal of Transgender Health, 23(4), 312–329.
Popescu, A., & Iliescu, R. (2020). "Policy Gaps and Access Barriers in Trans Health Services." LGBT Health Review, 16(2), 85–101.
Popescu, A. (2018). "Community-Driven Research on Transgender Rights." Journal of Gender Studies, 27(3), 205–220.

Professional Memberships

European Professional Association for Transgender Health (EPATH)
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
International LGBT Health Alliance

International Projects

Lead Researcher, UNDP “Transgender Inclusion in Public Services” (2018–2020)
Consultant, WHO “Trans Health Guidelines Implementation” (2020–Present)
Advisor, EU Horizon 2020 Program on LGBT Youth Wellbeing (2019–2022)

Work on Educational Programs

Designed and implemented "Trans Health Awareness Training" for healthcare providers across Eastern Europe
Developed online modules for educators to support transgender students
Created community workshops combining research insights with practical guidance for LGBT youth

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Guest on BBC World Service: “Trans Rights in Eastern Europe”
Keynote Speaker, WPATH Global Conference 2021
Featured in the “Inclusive Health Podcast” discussing evidence-based transgender care

Unique Values and Experience

Adrian combines rigorous academic research with hands-on program implementation, ensuring his initiatives produce measurable improvements in health and wellbeing for trans communities. His work emphasizes participatory methods, cultural sensitivity, and the translation of scientific findings into actionable policies and educational resources.