Antonia Petković, PhD

Dr. Antonia Petković is a leading researcher and advocate in the field of transgender health and LGBTQ+ education. With over 12 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to advancing evidence-based understanding of gender diversity, improving health outcomes for transgender individuals, and fostering inclusive education policies worldwide. Dr. Petković’s work bridges clinical research, public policy, and grassroots advocacy to ensure marginalized communities receive accessible and affirming care.

Specialization

Transgender Health and Wellbeing
LGBTQ+ Education and Policy
Gender-Affirming Healthcare
Mental Health in Trans Communities
Community-Based Participatory Research

Education

2005–2009: BA in Psychology, University of Zagreb
2009–2011: MSc in Gender Studies, Central European University
2012–2016: PhD in Transgender Health Research, University of Amsterdam

Professional Experience

2016–2018: Research Fellow, European Institute for Gender Equality
2018–2022: Senior Researcher, Trans Rights and Health Program, ILGA-Europe
2022–Present: Director of Trans Health Initiatives, Global LGBTQ+ Health Alliance
Consultant for UNDP and WHO on transgender-inclusive health policies

Key Research Projects & Case Studies

Trans Youth Mental Health Survey (2020–2021): Led a Europe-wide survey of 5,000+ transgender adolescents, revealing that inclusive school policies reduced reported anxiety and depression by 38%. “Affirming environments are directly correlated with improved mental health outcomes in trans youth.”
Gender-Affirming Healthcare Access Study (2019–2020): Analyzed healthcare access barriers across 10 countries; findings informed national policy updates in Croatia and Slovenia, increasing clinic accessibility by 22% for transgender patients. “Policy-driven structural changes can measurably improve health equity for trans communities.”
Community-Based Sexual Health Program (2018–2019): Developed participatory workshops for 1,200 trans adults, resulting in a 45% increase in reported safe sexual practices and heightened community advocacy engagement. “Community involvement is crucial for effective, sustainable health interventions.”

Selected Publications

Petković, A., & Johansson, K. (2022). "Trans-Inclusive Sexual Health Interventions: Best Practices." Journal of LGBTQ+ Health, 14(2), 101–120.
Petković, A. (2021). "Mental Health Disparities Among Trans Youth in Europe." International Review of Gender Studies, 9(3), 55–72.
Petković, A., & Rossi, L. (2019). "Barriers to Gender-Affirming Care: A Multi-Country Analysis." Health Policy and Planning, 34(7), 512–523.

Professional Memberships

European Professional Association for Transgender Health (EPATH)
International LGBTQ+ and HIV Research Network (ILHNR)
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)

International Projects & Initiatives

Lead Researcher, UNDP Regional LGBTQ+ Policy Review (2021–2022)
Advisor, WHO Guidelines on Gender-Affirming Care (2019–2020)
Project Director, EU Funded Trans Inclusion Program (2018–2021), reaching 10,000+ participants

Work on Educational Programs

Developer of trans-inclusive curricula for secondary and tertiary education
Trainer for healthcare providers on gender-affirming care best practices
Mentorship programs for LGBTQ+ youth leaders in Europe

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Keynote at ILGA-Europe Annual Conference: “Creating Trans-Affirming Health Systems”
Guest on NPR podcast: “Trans Rights and Mental Health”
TEDx Talk: “Bridging Science and Advocacy for Trans Health” (2022)

Unique Values and Experience

Dr. Petković brings a rare combination of rigorous scientific research, community engagement, and policy advocacy. Her work emphasizes data-driven approaches while centering lived experiences of transgender individuals. Her projects consistently produce measurable outcomes that influence public policy and improve health equity.