I am the Founding Director of the LGBTQ+ Politics Research Initiative at Loyola Marymount University. The Initiative advances the study of the political behavior of LGBTQ+ elites and individuals, fosters conversations with LGBTQ+ leaders, and offers research opportunities to students.

Publications
Pride and Pressure: Exploring Mental Health Among LGBTQ+ Elected Officials (Policy report, 2024)
The Experiences of LGBTQ+ Women Candidates (Policy brief, 2024)
The Experiences of Black LGBTQ+ Candidates (Policy brief, 2024)
When We Run: The Motivations, Experiences and Challenges of LGBTQ+ Candidates in the United States (Policy report, 2023)

In fall 2024, I conducted the first-of-its-kind study on the mental health of LGBTQ+ elected officials with the LGBTQ+ Victory institute. More than 160 LGBTQ+ elected officials shared their experiences with mental health while serving in political office. The Pride and Pressure: Exploring Mental Health Among LGBTQ+ Elected Officials report provides insights into factors that contribute to their mental health – and looks at access to mental health care and opportunities to better support elected officials who need it. Read the report here.

In spring 2023, I conducted the largest survey of LGBTQ+ candidates realized to date in partnership with the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. We surveyed about 500 LGBTQ+ candidates, nearly one fifth of all LGBTQ+ candidates who ran for office between 2018-2022 at any level in the United States.

The first outcome of this study has been the publication of the report When We Run: The Motivations, Experiences and Challenges of LGBTQ+ Candidates in the United States. The report is an unprecedented look at the motivations why LGBTQ+ people run for office, the challenges they face, the impact they have. Read the report here. You can also watch the launch video here.

In February 2024, we published a follow-up report brief: The Experiences of Black LGBTQ+ Candidates. This research brief focuses on the distinct challenges faced by Black LGBTQ+ candidates on the campaign trail. It also explores the current state of Black LGBTQ+ political representation and it offers recommendations for combatting the racism, homophobia and transphobia that discourages Black LGBTQ+ people from running for office.

In March 2024, we published a new report brief: The Experiences of LGBTQ+ Women Candidates. The report brief shows that LGBTQ+ women continue to be underrepresented among LGBTQ+ elected officials. LGBTQ+ women are more likely to be discouraged to run and worry more about harassment or attacks on the trail than gay and bisexual men. When running, they are more likely to be attacked for their personal appearance and their gender identity, while voters and media often fail to treat their candidacies fairly. For trans women, these obstacles are even more widespread.

In spring 2022, I organized a series titled Conversations with LGBTQ+ leaders.

Peter Staley, AIDS and gay rights activist, Feb. 9, 2022, from 4:30-5:30 pm PST (info on the event) (watch the interview)

Asm. Evan Low, member of the California State Assembly and Chair of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, Feb. 16, 2022, from 4:30-5:30 pm PST

Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California, March 9, 2022, from 5:30-6:30 pm PST

John Heilman, former Mayor of West Hollywood, March 16, 2022, from 4:30-5:30 pm PST

Gerald Garth, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Los Angeles LGBT Center, March 23, 2022, from 4:30-5:30 pm PST

Lisa Middleton, Mayor of Palm Springs, March 30, 2022, from 4:30-5:30 pm PST