Celebrating Pride Month: Personality and Social Psychology Research and Trends in LGBTQ+ Populations

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and this SPSPotlight article aims to highlight recent social psychology research and trends to raise awareness of the social justice needs of this underrepresented community. The first-ever Pride march happened on June 28, 1970, in New York City, known as Gay Liberation Day, one year after the Stonewall Uprising. You can watch a clip of documentary footage of this march here.

In a recent video available on the American Psychological Association (APA) YouTube channel, APA President Dr. Thema Bryant discussed current trends in the community with psychology Ph.D. students with topics on the importance of empowerment, identity, success, challenges to overcome, and protective factors that impact LGBTQ+ students or psychologists. We're excited to share that video features SPSP member (and former Student Committee member) Troy Kearse!

I recently attended a virtual symposium at my university, PRIDE 4 LGBTQ+, which included presenters from the social psychology, education, and business academic world. Dr. Theresa Vescio, from The Pennsylvania State University, was the keynote speaker, delivering a presentation entitled "Endorsement of Masculine Cultural Ideals and Participation in Violence Against LGBTQ People." Other speakers focused on themes of LGBTQ+ student experiences on campus, current topics, and the history of drag performance. Dr. Vescio discussed how assumptions of idealized heteronormativity through acceptance of violence might lead to attitudes of legitimizing violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Dr. Hillary Steinberg, who works with the United States Census Bureau, addressed the lack of research on LGBTQ+ people with autism and explained recent literature and applied approaches.

Dr. Sophia Choukas-Bradley, from the University of Pittsburgh, is actively investigating gender, sexuality, LGBTQ+ youth, intersectionality, and social psychology across the lifespan as the principal investigator of the Teen and Young Adult (TAYA) Lab. The TAYA lab has many research interests, and one of interest is Project TIDE (Teen Interviews about Diversity Experiences), which aims to investigate the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ mood, experiences, and symptomatology in adolescents and youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh are also examining interventions to reduce social isolation and technology use in LGBTQ+ youth. Dr. John Pachankis is researching parental explicit and implicit bias in sexual and gender minority children and continues to bridge the gap between traditional CBT therapy and LGBQ-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as social anxiety in sexual and gender identity minority populations. 

In a recent Nature podcast, scientists discussed strategies delivering safer spaces and culture for LGBTQ+ researchers while urging allies to join in and support through grassroots collaborative efforts. Active Minds recently wrote an article on advocacy in becoming champions of LGBTQ+ rights in the power of their words and action, supporting mental health awareness. Researchers are studying trans-inclusive policies for transgender women's access to public spaces, while others are studying perceived societal norms toward sexual minorities in two studies. Another interesting trend to watch in terms of social media, researchers are studying LGBTQ+ youth's experiences on Facebook at the intersection of their personal identity and their mental health.

In terms of news on transgender legislation, the APA announced that a number of states have "enacted anti-transgender sports ban legislation," yet pro-LGBTQ+ organizations "filled lawsuits across the U.S. in opposition of anti-transgender student athletics legislation." The APA continues to support the community - check out the APA LGBTQ+ Resources and Publications site for more information.    

Don't miss the upcoming Free Form Friday SPSP virtual event, Here and Queer (HQ): Providing Space for LGBTQ+ Students and Early-Career Researchers, on June 30, 2023, to become an ally and show support. The session will be hosted by Annalisa Myer, from the City University of New York (CUNY). HQ provides social and community support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and all LGBTQ+ students and early-career SPSP members. This Free Form Friday event is a safe space to connect, innovate, share, and explore all topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Be well, stay grateful, and get inspired.