We strive to create a culture of active support for our many colleagues, friends, and community members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, or nonbinary, or have other minoritized sexual or gender identities (LGBTQ+). 

That pledge requires ownership and action. In the not-distant past, the fields of psychology and psychiatry – including some practitioners once in our own department – conducted research and clinical practice that pathologized LGBTQ+ people. This bitter legacy necessitates that we scrutinize the integrity of our work today and unequivocally advocate for the dignity and equality of people of all sexual and gender identities. 

To that end, we will continue to promote LGBTQ+ advocacy; train our residents and fellows in the unique needs of sexual and gender minorities; support research that prioritizes those needs; and build a network of support for our own valued LGBTQ+ members. We appreciate the many individuals across the department who work together toward a more affirming culture.

Prism, a committee of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (DPHB), supports LGBTQ+ affirming research, clinical practice, and community engagement by reviewing existing practices and procedures at DPHB and providing recommendations for new initiatives. Interested in joining or learning more? Please contact Katie Liesener. 

The affinity group holds regular dinners and other gatherings to support LGBTQ+ community-building across the department. Faculty and trainees of all identities are welcome. Join the group.

Our faculty serve the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ patients on a regular basis, including in programs that provide specialized clinical care. Some of these sites also offer opportunities for research and training. 

The department regularly sponsors Grand Rounds and other events that examine topics of importance to the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. Examples include the Rhode Island Trans Health Conference and Master Clinician Series: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Gender Affirmative Care. 

Please see our events calendar for upcoming events.

Many of our faculty contribute to research focused on the experience of sexual and gender minorities. Learn more about some of those researchers, below, who have made consideration of the LGBTQ+ community a recurring thread of their careers.