Division 44 (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity)

Division 44 (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity)
Name	Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
Formation	0 1985
Type	APA Division
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Bianca D.M. Wilson (Past President)
Website	https://www.apadivisions.org/division-44

Division 44 (Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity). It is a professional division within the American Psychological Association dedicated to the study, understanding, and application of psychological knowledge regarding sexual orientation and gender diversity. The division supports research, education, and clinical practice, while advocating for the well-being of LGBT communities. It provides a central forum for psychologists and allied professionals to advance scholarship and promote social justice.

History and formation

The division was founded in 1985, emerging from the efforts of pioneering psychologists like John C. Gonsiorek and Beverly Greene who sought formal recognition within the American Psychological Association. Its establishment followed years of advocacy and the groundbreaking 1975 American Psychological Association resolution that removed homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Early meetings were often held in conjunction with the Association for Women in Psychology and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. Key formative events included symposia at APA Annual Conventions and strategic alliances with groups like the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Alliance of the American Psychological Association.

Mission and objectives

The mission centers on advancing the psychological study of sexual orientation and gender identity. Core objectives include promoting excellence in research, supporting the professional development of members, and influencing public policy to ensure equitable treatment. The division is committed to eradicating stigma, discrimination, and prejudice, as outlined in its official resolutions and public statements. It also aims to disseminate knowledge through its journal, the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, and collaborative projects with institutions like the Williams Institute.

Organizational structure and leadership

The division is governed by an elected Executive Committee including a President, President-Elect, and Past-President, with notable past leaders including Ruth E. Fassinger and Anneliese A. Singh. Committees focus on areas such as Education, Public Interest, and Science, often chaired by experts like Michele J. Eliason. Membership includes psychologists, graduate students, and allied professionals from diverse settings such as the University of Michigan and the Fenway Institute. The structure facilitates work through task forces addressing contemporary issues like transgender health and intersectionality.

Key initiatives and advocacy work

Major initiatives include the Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients and the Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People, adopted by the American Psychological Association. The division actively advocates against policies like the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and for the Equality Act. It collaborates with the National LGBTQ Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign on federal advocacy. Recent work focuses on opposing conversion therapy and supporting mental health parity, often in partnership with the SAMHSA and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.

Publications and scholarly contributions

The flagship publication is the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Psychological Association. The division also produces the Division 44 Newsletter and scholarly books, including volumes edited by Charlotte J. Patterson and Kristina C. Olson. Members have contributed foundational research to publications like the Journal of Homosexuality and the Archives of Sexual Behavior. The division's scholarship has informed amicus briefs for landmark Supreme Court of the United States cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges and Bostock v. Clayton County.

Awards and recognition

The division presents several annual awards, including the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award, the Distinguished Professional Contribution Award, and the Distinguished Service Award. Recipients have included eminent figures like Gregory M. Herek for his work on stigma and Ilan H. Meyer for the minority stress model. The Student Research Award honors emerging scholars from institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles. These awards recognize contributions that have significantly impacted the field and public understanding, often celebrated at the APA Annual Convention.

Affiliations and related organizations

Division 44 maintains formal affiliations with the American Psychological Association and its other divisions, such as Division 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women) and Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race). It is a member of the Consortium of Social Science Associations and collaborates with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. International partnerships include work with the International Psychology Network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Issues and the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations. These connections amplify its advocacy and research reach globally.

Category:American Psychological Association Category:LGBT organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1985