The UCLA physicians pioneering LGBTQ+ health initiatives

Dr. Matthew Mimiaga and Dr. Roger Detels headshot in front of two shelves full of books

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

Celine Parreñas Shimizu in dress with puffy black sleeves smiles as Steven Canals puts arm around her as both sit on white leather chairs

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 

An illustration of five diverse young people interacting and conversing against a blue background

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 figure with curly hair sits against a wall face covered by arms crossed atop knees

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

Three coworkers sit around a table in a glass-walled office meeting room, reviewing documents and working on laptops during a discussion. Potted plants and office furnishings are visible in the background.
Zackary Drucker and Alyza Enriquez/The Gender Spectrum 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

ACLU attorney Chase Strangio speaking at a podium outside the U.S. Supreme Court

“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

A young woman in red earrings is shown at right in a graphic with a rainbow background, Queer Culture Speak out in text and the progress pride flag in the center.

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

A burned residential lot in Altadena shows the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, with the remains of a home, a charred vehicle and scorched trees surrounding a sign that reads “Altadena Not for Sale.”
Facsenator, CC0/Wikimedia Commons

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

Page Person performs How I Became a Person at the Hammer Museum at UCLA, wearing a dramatic black sculptural costume and speaking into a microphone beside a glowing spiral-shaped set piece.

“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.