The Project Transcendence community advisory board (CAB) is a foundational part of the study’s design. The CAB gives members an opportunity to contribute community voice, propel community empowerment in research, as well as strengthen buy-in and participation in the study. Ultimately, the goal of the CAB is to improve the project’s quality and impact.
While it may not be possible to represent all facets of Black TGW everywhere, the CAB group selected for Project Transcendence aimed to be as diverse and representative as possible. Fundamentally, the role of the CAB is to provide insights on lived experience and cultural aspects of the geographic locale where the study is being conducted, ensuring the implementation of the study is guided by a robust understanding of the community and by relevant data that can lead to the most effective research outcomes. CAB members are expected to voice community perspectives while prioritizing the protection of their community from harm, unnecessary exploitation and optimize community benefits from the work at hand.