Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the article by Du Mont et al,1 "Recommendations to Improve the Nature and Extent of Relationships Among Organizations Within a Network to Enhance Supports for Transgender Survivors of Sexual Assault." As a psychiatrist at the Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, I found the study's findings and recommendations are particularly insightful and relevant to our work in providing comprehensive care to marginalized communities.

The authors' use of social network analysis to evaluate the baseline performance of the trans-LINK Network is commendable. The study's findings, particularly the high value and trust scores, indicate a strong foundation for the network's future growth and effectiveness. The identified areas for improvement, such as enhancing communication channels, clarifying roles and contributions, and centering the voices of transgender survivors, provide valuable insights into other similar networks worldwide.

However, I would like to highlight the importance of considering the unique cultural contexts and health care systems in different regions when implementing these recommendations. For instance, in Taiwan, where our center is located, the societal attitudes toward transgender individuals and the availability of trans-positive health care services may differ significantly from those in Ontario, Canada. Therefore, while we can learn from the experiences of the trans-LINK Network, we must also adapt these recommendations to our local context to ensure their effectiveness.

Moreover, I believe that the mental health needs of transgender survivors of sexual assault should be given more emphasis in intersectoral networks. As a psychiatrist, I have observed that these individuals often suffer from significant psychological distress, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, mental health services should be an integral part of the comprehensive care provided by such networks.

Finally, I would like to suggest that future studies explore the impact of these intersectoral networks on the actual health outcomes of transgender survivors of sexual assault. This would provide more concrete evidence of the effectiveness of these networks and inform further improvements in their structure and operations.

Thank you for considering my perspectives. I look forward to seeing more research in this important area of public health.

Reference