IN FOCUS: Pride

The UCLA physicians pioneering LGBTQ+ health initiatives

Dr. Roger Detels is a distinguished professor emeritus of epidemiology who made groundbreaking findings with the launch of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. And Dr. Matthew Mimiaga has led public health efforts with LGBTQ+ populations for over two decades and directs the UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health.

Learn more about their achievements in epidemiology in the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health Magazine.

From student to screenwriter: Steven Canals' journey

Screenwriter and producer Steven Canals sat down with the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Dean Celine Parreñas Shimizu for a conversation about his journey and the state of diversity in Hollywood today. He is best known for co-creating and executive-producing the FX television show "Pose," which explores the marginalized LGBTQ+ ballroom culture.

Watch their conversation, which is part of the UCLA TFT series highlighting their students, alumni and industry leaders.

Report on transgender youth shows state-level restrictions and protections

The Williams Institute found that more than half of transgender youth live in states with restrictive laws, affecting some 382,800 teens. The report also identified regional differences and detailed state-level information about these restrictive policies.

Read more about their research from UCLA Newsroom or read the full report on their website.

Gender-diverse teens who experience social and political stressors face increased risk of psychological distress and mental health disorders

A new study from UCLA Health found that gender-diverse adolescents who experience bullying and live in states with restrictive laws are significantly more likely to suffer psychological distress compared with their peers. The findings draw on one of the largest, most comprehensive adolescent brain development studies in the U.S.

Read more about the researchers' scientific process, findings and the policy implications from UCLA Health.

New guide offers assistance for conducting community-centered data collection

A new guide from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law provides insights into surveying lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities to inform policy and enhance health and well-being. Drawing on 25 years of experience, the guide aims to correct gaps in data at the state and local levels.

Learn more about this initiative and access the guide from the Williams Institute.

'Heightened Scrutiny': A conversation with Sam Feder, Amy Scholder & Tre'vell Anderson

"Heightened Scrutiny" is a documentary that tells the story of ACLU attorney Chase Strangio, the first openly transgender person to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, as he represents trans youth, their families and a doctor who filed suit against Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The Q&A features the film's director Sam Feder, producer Amy Scholder and journalist, critic, editor and podcaster Tre'vell Anderson.

Watch the program, co-presented by TransUP (Transgender UCLA Pride) and the UCLA Film & Television Archive.

Tune in to Queer Culture at UCLA

UCLA's student-run OutWrite magazine, the first queer college publication in the country, created the podcast "Speak Out" in collaboration with UCLA Radio. In this episode, the crew dives into queer culture and its origins.

Listen to this episode and more on their Spotify page.

New report shows distinct challenges faced by LGBTQ+ survivors of the Los Angeles Eaton Fire

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law worked with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to research the additional barriers that LGBTQ+ residents faced after the destructive Eaton Fire. Some of these challenges included greater housing and health vulnerabilities, less immediate family member support and discrimination by service providers.

Read more about recovery efforts and the report from the Williams Institute.

'How I Became A Person': A performance by Page Person

"Made in L.A." artist Page Person delivers a performance confronting anti-drag and anti-trans hysteria with humor, storytelling and audience participation. Person blends mediums and genres as part of her mission to make drag in art spaces and art in drag spaces.

Watch the performance on the Hammer Channel, which was featured in celebration of Trans Awareness Week.