Political and policy implications of studies in LGBT mental health

Research with underserved and stigmatized populations raises a number of methodological and ethical issues; this is certainly the case with studies involving LGBT populations. Furthermore, the implications of research for politics and policy are far-reaching. The purpose of this group of presentations is to illustrate methodological issues in conducting LGBT research, while also discussing the impact of research on public opinion and policy shifts. The three different topics addressed illustrate the potential of research and policy to reciprocally influence one other in the culturally specific construction of scientific knowledge. The first presentation discusses the historical inclusion or exclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity as variables in research studies. Second, data on substance use among LGBT populations, as well as analyses of services that agencies offer for LGBT clients, will be presented. The final presentation examines the issue of LGBT individuals serving in the military through presenting results of a national survey of LGBT veterans.