Elias Heino is a Finnish researcher and anti-transgender activist who has published a number of papers that promote disease models of gender diverse youth.
Background
Heino is affiliated with Tampere University Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and frequently publishes with conservative psychiatrist Riittakerttu Kaltiala-Heino.
Heino’s path to anti-trans activism is explained in this interview:
Why did I start doing psychiatric research?
After the first year of study, I got a summer job as a research assistant. I handled material related to youth psychiatric research. At the same time, my interest in research was awakened. After the research summer, I was offered the opportunity to start doing my own research related to the transgender topic, and I am still on this path.
The subject of my research
Our study compares the adolescent development of trans and cisgender identifying youth in the adolescent normal population. Adolescent development is examined with the help of sexuality, mental health, participation in school bullying and family relationships.
Why does research related to my topic matter?
The research aims to find out to what extent the developmental tasks of adolescence are solved despite the specificity of the identity experience and whether any problems are related to the identity experience itself or to possible external factors, such as a lack of support from family or friends. Based on the research results, the support that gender identity minorities may need can be targeted correctly, and the research data can be used as an aid in planning longitudinal studies, for example.
Anti-trans activism
Heino got €3,000 from the Orion Foundation to study “Transgender identity, mental health and adolescent development in the adolescent population.”
In 2021, Heino got a grant from The Psychiatry Research Foundation for similar work.
Heino has published papers stating that trans youth perpetrate bullying and have high suicidality.
References
Tampere University (4 November 2020). [50,000 euros from the Orion Foundation for Tampere University researchers.] https://www.tuni.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/tampereen-yliopiston-tutkijoille-50-000-euroa-orionin-saatiolta
(9/12/2019). [The Kandi calendar is coming again – Fine art pearls inspire creators.] Mediuutiset https://www.mediuutiset.fi/uutiset/kandikalenteri-tulee-taas-kuvataiteen-helmet-inspiroivat-tekijoita/12fb0bf9-88db-49e4-8562-be21f86bb228
[Recipients of the 2021 grants.] Psykiatrian Tutkimussäätiö [Psychiatry Research Foundation] https://www.psykiatriantutkimussaatio.fi/index.php/myonnetyt-apurahat/
Resources
ReseachGate (researchgate.net)
- Elias Heino
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Elias-Heino