Our recent study published in Emerging Adulthood examined the relationship between mistreatment in health care settings and psychological distress, substance use, and suicidal ideation among transgender and nonbinary young adults aged 18-25 who sought care in the past year. Results show that mistreatment was associated with serious psychological distress and illicit substance abuse. Transgender and nonbinary patients who experienced verbal mistreatment or physical/sexual assault in the health care setting had about two times higher odds of reporting psychological distress and suicidal ideation.

By Ari Shaw, Senior Fellow and Director of International Programs
The Advocate
February 28, 2025

As the Trump administration moves forward with plans to gut U.S. foreign assistance programs, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now also serving as acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), said the moves are necessary to ensure that every dollar spent abroad “furthers our national interest.”

One area of USAID’s work that critics point to as “wasteful” is the agency’s LGBTQ program. But those characterizations are shortsighted and shrouded in misinformation about the nature and impact of programs that support LGBTQ people in many developing countries.

The Williams Institute is looking for a Communications Associate to help implement the Institute’s comprehensive communications strategy. The role includes increasing visibility, awareness, and engagement in the Institute’s research, events, and staff through various platforms such as print and digital media, social media, newsletters, and the website. The Associate will translate research into easily accessible content for lay audiences and create high-quality content that showcases the Institute’s scientific rigor.

Deadline to apply: April 4, 2025

You're invited! The Williams Institute's Annual Gala will celebrate the power of research in combating misinformation and establishing evidence-based laws and policies. The evening will honor Admiral Rachel Levine, Niecy Nash-Betts, and the law firm of Selendy Gay, with a performance by Jessica Betts.

Mark your calendars! Our annual DC Spring Reception will take place on May 21, 2025. Hosted by King & Spalding, this year's reception will feature a discussion of the shifting landscape of LGBTQ law and policy and its impact on LGBTQ communities.

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.