Sexual, Gender, and Religious Identities Lab

About the Lab

Welcome! In our lab, we focus on understanding how sexual and gender minorities from conservative religious backgrounds can lead healthy and flourishing lives. Much of our work is done from a Latter-day Saint perspective, given the unique population that surrounds us in Utah. We generally admit one new graduate student each year who has an enduring interest in both sexual and gender minority health and religion/spirituality.

We typically apply for funding from a variety of LGBTQ+ health and religious organizations. Often, students are funded as research assistants for 1-2 years of their program, as teaching assistants/instructors for 1-2 years of their program, and as clinicians for 1-2 years of their program.

How does LGBTQ+ news media discuss religion? Public Religion Research Institute Microgrant ($12,000, 2022)

How can clergy in theologically conservative congregations effectively and authentically support their LGBTQ congregants? What are the implications of so doing? Louisville Institute Project Grant for Researchers ($30,000, 2020).

Current Students

Successful students in our lab typically have an enduring interest in both LGBTQ+ health and in the role that religion/spirituality plays in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, students typically bring their own interests and unique angle to the work that they do in the lab.