Participate in Research
Research Inclusion
Historically, research in the social sciences, business, politics, culture, and just about every other field has largely excluded or ignored LGBTQIA individuals, or has assumed heterosexuality/congruent gender & identity. In addition, when queer people have been included, studies have often treated them as though they were novelties, abnormal, in need of 'repair', or otherwise less than full human beings. Given this historically poor relationship between the LGBTQIA community and the scientific research establishment, many queer people have been understandably wary of participating in research studies. The effect of this, however, may have paradoxically led to less inclusion of queer people in mainstream research, less representation, and therefore, findings that are skewed toward the heteronormative.
These days, more researchers recognize the value of inclusion of LGBTQIA individuals in adding to the validity of their research. There are also LGBTQIA individuals conducting research themselves. Some research is specifically focused on the community in order to better understand and improve the life experiences of LGBTQIA individuals (e.g., studying the experiences of bisexual men in counseling to better address and meet their needs). Included here are opportunities to take part in research studies that either recognize the importance of inclusion and representation, or are specifically focused on understanding and meeting the needs of LGBTQIA individuals. Current studies seeking LGBTQIA representation are listed for your consideration.
Current Studies
Gay/Bisexual Dad Study : Are you a gay/bisexual dad? Would you be willing to answer some confidential questions about your life and about your family? The purpose of this study is to examine the many ways families headed by gay fathers have been created, explore how families function, and learn about the relationship between partners. The study consists of an online survey and will take approximately 25- 35 minutes of your time. To qualify for the study you have to identify as male, a father, and gay, bisexual or homosexual and have at least one child of any age; this child can be biological, adopted, foster, step, or other child. You do not need to be the child's legal parent to participate. If you and/or your partner are interested in participating or want further information please contact Samantha L. Tornello (Principal Investigator) via email GayDadsStudy@gmail.com. She will send you a web link that you can use to access the study.
Asian American GLB Attitudes and Experiences Survey: We are a culturally diverse sexual minority research team conducting an empirical study examining attitudes, feelings, and experiences associated with being an Asian American who experiences attraction to members of the same sex. Historically, researchers have neglected the lives of Asian American gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons, and very little research has looked specifically at attitudes, feelings, and experiences that sexual minority persons have based on their race and sexual orientation. To be eligible for this study, you must be an Asian/Asian American who is at least 18 years old, has experienced same-sex attraction, and currently resides in the United States. The survey is anonymous, and takes about 30 minutes to complete. As an incentive to participate, all participants will be given the chance to enter a raffle awarding $100 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click the link above to participate.
Rainbow Women's Project: Lesbian & bisexual women of color survey. We are a group of lesbian and bisexual women investigators conducting an anonymous, online survey of lesbian and bisexual women of color and their life experiences. Please consider taking the survey, which takes about 30-40 minutes to complete. The goal of the Rainbow Women’s Project is to better understand the specific experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer women and promote their health and well-being. We are especially interested in hearing the diverse voices within our communities. We invite you to participate in a study focusing on your life experiences as a lesbian, bisexual, or queer woman of color, the challenges you have faced, and how you deal with these challenges. We are seeking lesbian and bisexual women of color who are 18 or older. Participants will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for one of several cash prizes of $50. Click the link above to participate.
Sexual Minority Undergraduates Survey: The purpose of my research project is to learn more about the mental health and life experiences of sexual minority (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, non-heterosexual, and people who have sex with others of the same sex) undergraduate college and university students in the United States. You must be 18 years of age and under 25 years of age in order to participate. Your participation will help researchers like me to understand how particular stress factors affect the mental health of sexual minority undergraduate students. We estimate that the survey will take between 20 and 30 minutes to complete. Participation is anonymous and the survey service will not track your (IP) address. You may discontinue participation at any time without penalty.
National LGBT Campus Climate Survey: Call for Participation for national survey released today for LGBT college students, faculty & staff with a chance to win $500 cash and
a free RSVP Vacation Cruise. By Campus Pride.
Do you consider your campus to be gay-friendly? Does your campus have work to be done on transgender issues? What does it mean to be a lesbian, gay, bisexual or a transgender (LGBT) student, staff, or faculty member on your campus? LGBT students, faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to respond to the Call for Participation for Campus Pride’s National LGBT College Climate Survey.
Coming out on Campus: My name is Mark Miceli, and I am a gay graduate student at Johnson & Wales University. I am conducting research about coming out and campus climate at Catholic and non-Catholic colleges and universities for undergraduate students. I would like to ask you to either take this survey as an undergraduate LGB student or forward this message to LGB undergraduate students. You will not be required to provide your name or campus. To start the survey please click the link above.
Male and Female Victims of Dating Violence in Both Heterosexual and Same-Sex Relationships: A Quantitative analysis of Differences in Attachment Style and Help-Seeking Behavior Among a College Sample.
The purpose of this study is to examine differences in attachment style and help-seeking behavior among both male and female victims of dating violence in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. The results of this study can encourage further research in the field of dating violence and promote social change in the way victims of dating violence, regardless of gender and sexual orientation are viewed and served today. Visit the site above and enter the password to access the survey. Password: Butterfly007
Comprehensive national survey on transgender discrimination launched by National Center for Transgender Equality and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
"We urge all transgender and gender non-conforming people to take the survey to help guide us in making better laws and policies that will improve the quality of life for all transgender people. We need everyone’s voice..."
All Gender Health, University of Minnesota.
"We are currently recruiting participants for a project looking at trans people who have sex with nontrans men. Our long-term goal is to develop an online resource to improve sexual health for trans people and their partners." Please contact Alex Iantaffi with any questions or concerns.
Survey exploring experiences of heterosexual parents of lesbian/gay/bisexual children.
To investigate the various factors that impact parents’ experiences after their children disclose a lesbian, gay or bisexual identity. Should you have any questions, please contact kmgoodri@syr.edu.
Lifting Voices, a survey for and about Families of Color.
Project Harmony is a voice for families of color within and outside of Family Equality Council. As such our mission as a program includes actively raising issues relevant to our combined oppressions, leading us to challenge ourselves and the overall LGBTQ movement on our assumptions and actions. As part of this project we have been conducting a participatory research initiative to produce a report on the conditions of LGBTQ-headed Families of Color to guide program creation and capacity building for the Family Equality movement and organizations. Find more on the Project Harmony here.
Survey of Mental Health Professionals: Bisexual Counseling Competency I am conducting a study on counseling competence with bisexual clients. The purpose of this project is to gain an understanding of the variables that predict competency for working with bisexual clients. I am seeking professional clinicians working with clients in a mental health setting to complete a brief on-line survey. Clinicians may be counselors, counseling psychologists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, or family therapists. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle for 1 of 2 $25 gift cards. The survey will take approximately 20 – 25 minutes to complete. If you have questions or concerns about the research, please feel free to contact me, Lindsey Brooks at (410) 963-3449/ lmb9@lehigh.edu or my research advisor, Dr. Arpana G. Inman at (610) 758-4443 / agi2@lehigh.edu