Why is klb research on patreon?

For the past 15 years, my research has been motivated by the goal of expanding academic research to be more inclusive of LGBTQ identities and experiences. I primarily study romantic relationships and how our relationships can influence our mental and physical well-being. When I first began my research in this area I noticed that the majority of existing literature was based on studies conducted exclusively with heterosexual couples. Even though it has been a decade and a half since I began my work in this area, the romantic relationships literature still predominantly excludes LGBTQ experiences. A recent review of the literature published between 2006 and 2012 found that 88.7% of studies about relationships focused exclusively on the experiences of those in heterosexual (mixed-sex) relationships. KLB Research works to increase our knowledge of LGBTQ experiences by: 

  • Conducting research that includes LGBTQ experiences; 
  • Encouraging other researchers to adopt LGBTQ Inclusive Research Methods; and
  • Incorporating LGBTQ-inclusive research methods and research results into the teaching curricula of each of the courses I teach.

My research on LGBTQ relationships and health has led me to study some of the darker issues that influence the outcome of LGBTQ relationships and the existence of health disparities within this population. In the last few years, my research interests have expanded to include the study of sexual prejudiceFemmephobiaLGBTQ hate crimesLGBTQ utilization and access to healthcare, and discriminatory reactions to LGBTQ displays of affection. These can often be challenging topics to study, as they bring us face to face with some of the worst that humanity has to offer, however, it is also important research. Consequently, we at KLB Research are steadfast in our resolve to document, understand, and ultimately prevent the experiences that contribute to suffering within the LGBTQ community. 

Unfortunately, there is not an abundance of funding for this type of research. Crowdfunding through sites like this offers individuals the opportunity to directly support research that they believe will make a difference in their own lives or the lives of those they care about. KLB Research won't ever single-handedly be responsible for ridding the world of anti-LGBTQ prejudices, but we are dedicated to doing our part and contributing what we can. To do so to the best of our abilities, we need the support of generous others, like you! 

Impact on LGBTQ Student Lives

The combination of my being one of only a handful of out 'LGBTQ' professors at StFX and the focus of my research interests, has the tendency to attract LGBTQ students to my lab. Although all of my student researchers gain valuable research experience and grow as individuals by challenging themselves and their lab mates, I often witness the greatest amount of personal growth within my LGBTQ-identified students. For many of these students, finding my research lab is the first time in their academic career that they have seen themselves and their experiences reflected in academic research, or even academia itself. This often results in students experiencing a sense of validation that they have not previously found, which in turn helps them to blossom into more confident young adults. For some, it even helps them to find a future career that they had never before considered. 

Unfortunately, I often have more students interested in working in the lab than I can manage to supervise. One of the key goals of soliciting donations through this website is to be able to hire a research coordinator who would be able to manage the student volunteers and research assistants. This would help to ensure that the positive experience students gain by working in the KLB Research lab will be available to all who seek the opportunity. The funding from this site will also go towards providing stipends to student research assistants, so that they do not need to choose between gaining valuable research experience or taking other paid work to pay for their rent and tuition.