Miguel Torrealba, PhD

Miguel Torrealba is a leading researcher and advocate in transgender health and LGBT+ education, with over 12 years of experience developing inclusive programs, conducting field research, and advancing policies for transgender and non-binary communities worldwide. His work bridges academic research, applied community projects, and public education to improve health outcomes and social equity for transgender individuals.

Specialization

Transgender Health and Wellbeing
LGBT+ Inclusive Education
Mental Health in LGBTQ+ Communities
Policy Development for Gender Equity
Community-Based Participatory Research

Education

2006–2010: BA in Sociology, University of Toronto
2010–2012: MA in Gender Studies, University of British Columbia
2012–2016: PhD in Public Health with Focus on Transgender Health, University of California, San Francisco

Professional Experience

2016–2018: Research Fellow, Center for Transgender Health, UCSF
2018–2021: Program Director, Rainbow Health Initiative, Canada
2021–Present: Senior Advisor, Global LGBT+ Policy and Health Programs
Consultant for WHO and UNDP on transgender-inclusive health strategies

Key Research Projects and Outcomes

Project: "Trans Mental Health and Access to Care in North America" (2017–2019) Outcome: Developed evidence-based guidelines now implemented in 15 healthcare centers; increased access to gender-affirming therapy by 23% in pilot regions.
Project: "Inclusive Sex Education for Trans Youth" (2020–2022) Outcome: Created curriculum adopted in 50+ high schools across Canada; improved self-reported sexual health knowledge among trans students by 40%.
Project: "Global Transgender Policy Assessment" (2021) Outcome: Produced first comprehensive comparative report on legal protections for transgender populations across 30 countries; recommendations led to policy updates in 4 nations.

Selected Publications and Notable Quotes

Torrealba, M. (2022). "Transgender Health Equity: Evidence-Based Approaches." Journal of LGBT Health, 19(3), 210–230. "Providing healthcare that respects gender identity is not only ethical—it improves measurable outcomes."
Torrealba, M., & Singh, A. (2021). "Implementing Inclusive School Programs for Trans Youth." Education & Diversity Review, 15(2), 88–105. "Trans-inclusive education reduces stigma and fosters resilience in students."
Torrealba, M. (2019). "Global Barriers to Trans Health Access." International Journal of Public Health, 64(7), 925–939.

Professional Memberships

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
International LGBT Health Alliance
National LGBT Health Education Network

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

TEDx Talk: "Breaking Barriers in Transgender Health" (2021)
Guest on NPR: "Trans Rights and Access to Healthcare" (2020)
Webinar Series: "Inclusive Education for LGBT+ Youth" (2022)

Unique Values and Experience

Miguel combines rigorous research methodology with lived experience advocacy, ensuring that all interventions are both evidence-based and culturally sensitive. His hands-on work in schools, clinics, and policy development has directly improved the quality of life for transgender and non-binary individuals worldwide.