Call for Papers: Special Issue on Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress among 2SLGBTQIA+ Individuals and Communities

ISTSS members receive full access to the Journal of Traumatic Stress courtesy of their ISTSS membership.

This special issue seeks to advance knowledge and research about posttraumatic stress and its various manifestations and responses among 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities.

Guest Editors:

• Edward Alessi, School of Social Work, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
• Leisha Beardmore, Stanford University, Stanford Department of Psychiatry, and Co-Chair Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (SOGD) SIG, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
• Sarah Benuska, MetroHealth Medical System, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, and Co-Chair SOGD SIG, ISTSS
• Phillip W. Schnarrs, Dell Medical School, and The Texas Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research, The University of Texas at Austin,* and Co-Chair SOGD SIG, ISTSS

*As of Jan 1, 2025, The School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, and The Center for LGBT Health Research, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

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Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to heterosexual individuals, underscoring the consistent impact of traumatic experiences—many precipitated by stigma and discrimination—on the health disparities identified among SGM populations, which are also referred to as individuals identifying as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, or with other identities not captured by the acronym (2SLGBTQIA+).   

As research on PTSD expands, so too has literature on resilience among 2SLGBTQIA+ people. However, the way resilience has been conceptualized has also led to concerns about placing the onus on the individual rather than on changing the systems of oppression that continue to marginalize 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities and subject them to intersecting stigmas (cissexism, heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, and ableism. The way 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience, survive, and thrive after experiencing trauma tend to differ based on individual and familial factors, community connections, and their multiply marginalized identities.

We invite submissions that aim to broaden our understanding of posttraumatic stress and trauma responses and foster healing-centered approaches in diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. We welcome contributions from multiple disciplines (counseling, medicine, nursing, psychology, public health, social work, sociology, anthropology, etc.) that focus on advancing knowledge of the distinct challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their strengths and pathways to recovery. Submissions that focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ people who are members of historically marginalized groups, underserved communities, or reside in low- and middle-income contexts (LMICs) are especially welcome.

Submissions may include quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research and systematic reviews. In limited circumstances, theoretical or conceptual papers may also be considered if they demonstrate the potential to significantly advance understanding or treatment of traumatic stress, PTSD, or complex trauma among 2SLGBTQIA+ populations.

Potential topics are:

• The impact of trauma across 2SLGBTQIA+communities, including intersectional experiences related to race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, migration status, or other social locations and identities.
• Complex trauma among 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Longitudinal or developmental approaches for understanding trauma and posttraumatic stress among 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth.
• Broadening how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are measured and conceptualized for 2SLGBTQIA+ populations.
• The longer-term impact of exposure to ACEs, especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in middle and older adulthood and identification of biopsychosocial pathways that contribute to better (or worse outcomes) over the life course.
• The intersection of mental health (e.g., neurodivergence), substance use, or health comorbidities and trauma reactions among 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
• The effects of systemic and institutionalized forms of violence on the mental health and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
• Impact of structural stigma and discrimination on PTSD and other trauma-related disorders among 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
• Limitations of Criterion A in capturing posttraumatic stress reactions for 2SLGBTQIA+
• Trauma and recovery experiences among intersex populations.
• Community-based research with 2SLGBTQIA+ people communities/organizations that centers or co-creates affirmative research with communities impacted by PTSD or trauma.
• The role of resilience, social support, community connectedness, or belonging in coping with and recovering from trauma among 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Embracing identity-based or gender joy/euphoria to promote recovery and healing following trauma.
• Trauma healing and recovery in the context of non-monogamous relationships and other forms of relationship diversity and queer relationships.
• Posttraumatic growth among 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals or communities.

This is not an exhaustive list but is meant to provide examples.

For consideration in this special issue, please submit a brief proposal to ealessi@ssw.rutgers.edu (and cc: lab2285@tc.columbia.edu) by February 1, 2025. Place JTS Special Issue Proposal in the subject line.

Proposal submissions should include:

• A title (or preliminary title).
• Names, email addresses, and affiliations of all authors and specific contact information for the corresponding author.
• A description of no more than 500 words. The description should include the proposed research and its rationale/significance, method, findings, and brief discussion/conclusion.
• References

Invitations to submit a full manuscript will be sent in early March 2025..

If you have any questions about this opportunity or the submission process, contact Edward Alessi and Leisha Beardmore at the e-mail addresses above.

We look forward to receiving your proposal!

Edward Alessi, Leisha Beardmore, Sarah Benuska, and Phillip Schnarrs