Rasmus Lindholm, PhD

Dr. Rasmus Lindholm is a leading researcher and educator in transgender and LGBTQ+ health, with over 12 years of experience in clinical research, community advocacy, and public education. He is dedicated to advancing inclusive healthcare practices, supporting transgender rights, and translating scientific research into actionable guidance for communities and policymakers.

Specialization

Transgender Health and Wellbeing
LGBTQ+ Sexual and Mental Health
Policy Development for Gender Inclusivity
Community-Based Participatory Research
Sexual Health Education for Trans Adolescents

Education

2006–2010: BSc in Psychology, University of Copenhagen
2010–2012: MSc in Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
2012–2016: PhD in Gender and Sexuality Studies, University of Amsterdam

Professional Experience

2016–2018: Research Associate, LGBTQ+ Health Program, University of Copenhagen
2018–2021: Senior Researcher, Trans Health Initiative, Karolinska Institutet
2021–Present: Director of Research, European Transgender Health Network
Consultant for governmental and NGO initiatives on transgender rights and healthcare access

Research Projects and Case Studies

Project: "Trans Adolescents and Mental Health Resilience" (2019–2021)
Result: Surveyed 1,200 transgender adolescents across Europe, identifying protective factors for mental wellbeing; implemented findings in school-based support programs, reducing reported anxiety and depression by 23% in pilot schools.
Project: "Access to Gender-Affirming Care in Nordic Countries" (2018–2020)
Result: Evaluated 15 healthcare centers; published recommendations leading to policy adoption in 3 countries improving wait times for hormone therapy by 40%.
Project: "Community-Led Sexual Health Education for Trans Youth" (2021–Present)
Result: Developed participatory curriculum used by 25 NGOs across Europe; preliminary evaluation shows increased knowledge retention and empowerment scores among participants.

Selected Quotes

"Transgender youth deserve education and healthcare that affirms their identity while grounding them in evidence-based guidance." – Rasmus Lindholm

"Inclusive research is not just data collection—it is building trust, understanding lived experiences, and driving actionable change." – Rasmus Lindholm

Selected Scientific Publications

Lindholm, R. et al. (2022). "Mental Health Outcomes among Transgender Adolescents: A European Multisite Study." International Journal of Transgender Health, 23(4), 312–330.
Lindholm, R., & Sørensen, M. (2020). "Barriers to Gender-Affirming Healthcare in Scandinavia." Journal of LGBT Health Policy, 15(2), 45–67.
Lindholm, R. (2019). "Participatory Methods in LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Education." Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 16(1), 78–92.

Professional Memberships

European Professional Association for Transgender Health (EPATH)
International Society for Sexual Health (ISSH)
LGBTQ+ Health Network (Europe)

Participation in International Projects

Lead Researcher, UNESCO “Trans-Inclusive Sexuality Education” Project (2020–2023)
Advisor, WHO European Region Transgender Health Guidelines (2019–Present)
Consultant, European Commission “Gender-Affirming Care Access” Initiative (2021–2022)

Work on Educational Programs

Designer of "Inclusive Sexual Health Curriculum for Trans Youth"
Training workshops for educators, healthcare providers, and youth organizations across Europe
Mentorship programs for LGBTQ+ student researchers and activists

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

TEDx Talk: “Transgender Health: Beyond the Binary” (2021)
Guest speaker on BBC Radio 4: “LGBTQ+ Rights and Healthcare Access”
Contributor to “Trans Health Matters” podcast series

Unique Values and Experience

Dr. Lindholm combines rigorous scientific research with community engagement, ensuring that his work reflects lived experiences and drives policy change. His participatory approach to research and education empowers transgender youth and creates sustainable, measurable improvements in health and wellbeing across Europe.