The lab’s research currently focuses on two interrelated areas: promoting the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people in the context of oppression and discrimination, and fostering acceptance and social inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.

A vast amount of research documents health disparities based on sexual orientation and gender identity. To reduce these disparities, it is important to decrease (and, if possible, eradicate) interpersonal discrimination, structural stigma, and oppression by promoting full social inclusion for LGBTQ+ people. If these broad outcomes are to be realized, in addition to understanding the nature of contemporary discrimination, it is critical to address sexual prejudice and opinions about policies that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion. However, tackling heterosexism and genderism in society is a long-term project. Therefore, while doing so it is imperative to address both the nature and consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and to identify and strengthen protective factors. Such research is required to inform interventions, services, and policies that effectively meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people. The lab also engages in HIV/AIDS prevention research among men who have sex with men and among other vulnerable groups.

The lab examines the effects of contemporary heterosexism, with concern for stigma, discrimination, oppression, and systems-level change. This includes particular interest in subtle discrimination, such as everyday microaggressions and incivility, as well as indirect forms of discrimination, for example seeing or knowing others who have been harassed. Further work focuses on LGBTQ+ youth empowerment, heterosexist attitudes, and support for LGBTQ+ civil rights.

This research often examines the relationship between institutional climate, socio-ecological risk and protective factors, and the health and academic wellbeing of LGBTQ+ university students. Part of this work involves exploring the influence of intersecting identities on these relationships. Moreover, it examines the nature of contemporary sexual prejudice and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ civil rights and legal protections among university students as well as social work faculty. The lab further engages faculty given their critical role in preparing social work students for ethical, competent, and socially just practice with marginalized populations.