A new study in the Journal of Adolescent Health finds that cisgender students in Minnesota are about twice as likely to participate in sports and physical activity compared to transgender and gender diverse (TGD) students. Using data from the 2016 and 2019 Minnesota Student Survey, researchers also found that cisgender students were also significantly more likely to be physically active than TGD students. Many health disparities for TGB youth are linked to physical activity and could be exacerbated by gaps in participation.

The study was conducted by two recipients of the Williams Institute's Trans Inclusion in Sports Seed Grants Program: Sarah M. Kaja, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, and Jenifer K. McGuire, Ph.D., M.P.H., Professor in the Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota.

On May 8, Williams Institute Senior Fellow and Director of International Programs Ari Shaw participated on a panel at the 27th Milken Institute Global Conference, The Role of Companies for LGBTQ+ Rights. Ari spoke about the association between democratic backsliding and the rise in anti-LGBTQ policies around the world, the need for more diversity and inclusion, and what gives him hope for a more equitable future.  

Why does it matter for democracy that we have diversity, that we have LGBTQ people as full participants in political and economic society? Here the data is clear: Because we know that more inclusive companies, more inclusive economies, are more prosperous.

- Ari Shaw, Williams Institute Senior Fellow and Director of International Programs

Ari was joined on the panel by Williams Institute Founders Council member Todd Sears of Out Leadership, Ariel Investment's Henry Mallari-D'Auria, Nedra Dickson of Accenture, and Kinship Ventures' Moj Mahdara.

The Williams Institute is seeking a Judicial and Legal Education Director & Scholar to lead the Institute’s educational programming for judges, lawyers, law students, and the public. The Director will also be responsible for running three of the Institute’s premier annual programs: the Williams Institute Moot Court Competition, the Dukeminier Awards Journal, and the Institute’s Annual Update Conference. After the second year in the position, the Director will teach a course at UCLA Law focused on sexual orientation, gender identity, and the law.

Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024

The Williams Institute is looking for an experienced scholar who specializes in LGBTQIA+ people and issues to join our team as a Scholar of Public Policy. The Scholar will be responsible for conducting original research, supervising and supporting early career staff, and engaging with a variety of stakeholders. Applicants who use intersectional and community-based approaches in their research are encouraged to apply.

Deadline to apply: July 9, 2024

Join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a celebration of the incredible impact of Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. 

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law is an academic research institute dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.