A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health finds that 53% of transgender young adults in the U.S. ages 18 to 25 meet the criteria for serious psychological distress, and 66% have thought about suicide. Transfeminine young adults had a higher likelihood of experiencing serious psychological distress and suicidal thoughts compared to transmasculine young adults. Additionally, Latinx transgender young adults were more likely than their white peers to experience distress, and bisexual/pansexual transgender young adults were more likely to have a suicide plan compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

On June 5, the Williams Institute was honored to be named a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year by California State Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. The Williams Institute's Founding Executive Director Brad Sears and Legal Director Christy Mallory were in Sacramento to accept the award.

The Williams Institute's work and scholarship has advanced the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, changing lives for the better. 

- Rick Chavez Zbur, California State Assemblymember, 51st Assembly District

Senior Scholar of Public Policy

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

Judicial and Legal Education Director & Scholar

The Williams Institute is seeking an experienced director 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: July 31, 2024

LGBTQ people are less likely to own guns than their non-LGBTQ peers but may be at greater risk of gun-related deaths. Join us for a webinar on the risks of gun violence and strategies to promote safety.

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.