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Research Interests
My research primarily centers on LGBTQ mental health, with a specific emphasis on suicidality. Throughout my career, I have made many contributions to this field, shedding light on important topics and striving to provide evidence-based research to improve the well-being of LGBTQ individuals.
One of my notable contributions is the book "Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Mental Health," which I co-edited with Dr. Shelly K. Kerr. Originally published in 2005 and republished by Routledge in 2014, this work explores the unique mental health experiences and needs of lesbian and bisexual women, providing valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers.
Since the mid-1980s, I have been actively involved in the study of gender nonconformity and its impact. In 1986, I published my first notable work, Male Homosexuality in Four Societies: Brazil, Guatemala, the Philippines, and the United States, co-authored with Dr. Frederick L. Whitam. This cross-cultural research delved into the cultural variations and social contexts associated with the childhood gender nonconformity of male homosexuality in four different societies.
Continuing my exploration of gender nonconformity and homosexuality, my most recent book is Childhood Gender Nonconformity and the Development of Adult Homosexuality, co-edited with Dr. Jack Drescher. Originally published in 2009 and republished in 2020 by Taylor & Francis, Amazon describes this work as presenting "leading experts on the scientific study of gender, providing their views on what we know today about the relationship between gender nonconformity in childhood and future adult sexual identities or behaviors. This book explores the topic from a wide range of perspectives, including historical, sociological, psychological (social and developmental), and psychiatric viewpoints. Parents, parent educators, therapists, and counselors who work with gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents or adults and/or gender atypical children will find this resource insightful and very useful."
In addition to my book contributions, I have published peer-reviewed articles on various topics related to mental health. Collaborating with Al Cooper and others, I have explored the complexities of online sexuality and its impact on individuals' well-being. Furthermore, I was actively involved in research and publications on the "Early Risers" program, a prevention initiative targeting externalizing behavioral disorders. This work, led by Dr. Gerald August aims to identify and address risk factors for external behavioral disorders early on, promoting positive mental health outcomes for children and adolescents.
I also have led research efforts and published peer-reviewed articles focused on Internet research methods and ethics, recognizing the evolving landscape of technology and its implications for conducting ethical research in the digital age.
Currently, my research interests lie in the area of gender-affirming care for transgender and gender diverse children, as well as exploring intersectionality as a moderator of Meyer's minority stress model. By investigating these crucial areas, I aim to contribute to the development of gender-affirming practices and interventions that consider the unique experiences and needs of transgender and gender diverse individuals.
Through my research endeavors, I strive to advance knowledge, promote understanding, advocate for the well-being of LGBTQ individuals, and decrease social disparities in LBTQ mental health care. It is my ongoing commitment to make a meaningful impact in the field, foster inclusivity, improve mental health outcomes, and promote social change to advance social justice for oppressed minorities.
One of my notable contributions is the book "Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Mental Health," which I co-edited with Dr. Shelly K. Kerr. Originally published in 2005 and republished by Routledge in 2014, this work explores the unique mental health experiences and needs of lesbian and bisexual women, providing valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers.
Since the mid-1980s, I have been actively involved in the study of gender nonconformity and its impact. In 1986, I published my first notable work, Male Homosexuality in Four Societies: Brazil, Guatemala, the Philippines, and the United States, co-authored with Dr. Frederick L. Whitam. This cross-cultural research delved into the cultural variations and social contexts associated with the childhood gender nonconformity of male homosexuality in four different societies.
Continuing my exploration of gender nonconformity and homosexuality, my most recent book is Childhood Gender Nonconformity and the Development of Adult Homosexuality, co-edited with Dr. Jack Drescher. Originally published in 2009 and republished in 2020 by Taylor & Francis, Amazon describes this work as presenting "leading experts on the scientific study of gender, providing their views on what we know today about the relationship between gender nonconformity in childhood and future adult sexual identities or behaviors. This book explores the topic from a wide range of perspectives, including historical, sociological, psychological (social and developmental), and psychiatric viewpoints. Parents, parent educators, therapists, and counselors who work with gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents or adults and/or gender atypical children will find this resource insightful and very useful."
In addition to my book contributions, I have published peer-reviewed articles on various topics related to mental health. Collaborating with Al Cooper and others, I have explored the complexities of online sexuality and its impact on individuals' well-being. Furthermore, I was actively involved in research and publications on the "Early Risers" program, a prevention initiative targeting externalizing behavioral disorders. This work, led by Dr. Gerald August aims to identify and address risk factors for external behavioral disorders early on, promoting positive mental health outcomes for children and adolescents.
I also have led research efforts and published peer-reviewed articles focused on Internet research methods and ethics, recognizing the evolving landscape of technology and its implications for conducting ethical research in the digital age.
Currently, my research interests lie in the area of gender-affirming care for transgender and gender diverse children, as well as exploring intersectionality as a moderator of Meyer's minority stress model. By investigating these crucial areas, I aim to contribute to the development of gender-affirming practices and interventions that consider the unique experiences and needs of transgender and gender diverse individuals.
Through my research endeavors, I strive to advance knowledge, promote understanding, advocate for the well-being of LGBTQ individuals, and decrease social disparities in LBTQ mental health care. It is my ongoing commitment to make a meaningful impact in the field, foster inclusivity, improve mental health outcomes, and promote social change to advance social justice for oppressed minorities.
Recent Videos about Gender Dysphoria
The two videos that follow were recorded as 10-minute microteaching assignments, a requirement for earning the Certificate in Higher Education Teaching at Harvard University's Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning (completed May 2023).
Diagnostic Criteria for Gender Dysphoria (DSM-5-TR) and Gender Incongruence (ICD-11)
Gender Dysphoria: Self-Harm, Suicidality, and Mental Illness
Personal Interests
I enjoy playing with and cuddling my cats, Xena and Rafiki
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Favorite Streaming Shows
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