Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (SOGD) SIG

Mission

The Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (SOGD) SIG was created to increase the representation of sexual minority and gender variant populations within ISTSS. We are concerned about the lack of LGBTQA+-focused presentations and posters at the annual ISTSS meeting and thus strive to raise awareness of the unique health needs of LGBTQA+ trauma survivors at the annual conference and also within the organization in general.. This is particularly important given the high rates of trauma, PTSD, and help-seeking behavior among LGBTQA+ populations.

The primary goal of the SIG is to increase dialogue within ISTSS about the mental health needs of LGBTQA+ trauma survivors. Creating a platform for clinicians and researchers to explore this area will hopefully foster increased research around trauma and recovery among LGBTQA+ populations, as well as continued and improved culturally competent service provision to members of this community.

Since its inception in 2008, the SOGD (formerly LGBT) SIG has supported a number of presentations at the annual meetings of ISTSS, as well as increased the number of articles on sexual and gender identities and trauma published in Stresspoints.

Co-Chairs

Kelly L. Harper, Clinical Pyschologist
National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Health Care System

Leisha Beardmore
Save the Children (US)

Student Co-Chairs

Christine Bird
Mauricio Montes
Selime Salim (she/her) 

Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (SOGD) SIG Listserv Address

Members of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity SIG can use the SIG listserv to share information with the full SIG.
istss-lgbt@groups.istss.org