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

**About Division 44** The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Division 44 - The Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity (SPSOGD) was founded as the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian and Gay Issues in 1985 by a group of pioneering LGB psychologists and their allies. The focal point for the Society at that time was the psychological research, practice, and education on the lives and realities of LGBT people. With time, SPSOGD has evolved to be inclusive to the spectrum of psychological and legislative issues that impact the LGBTQ community. **Mission and goals** SPOGD welcomes all those interested in psychological research, practice, education and training, and advocacy on issues related to sexual orientation and gender diversity, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming and queer individuals and allies. SPSOGD is committed to advancing social justice in all its activities. SPSOGD celebrates the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender nonconforming and queer people and recognizes the importance of multiple, intersectional dimensions of diversity including but not limited to race, ethnicity, ability, age, citizenship, health status, language, nationality, religion, and social class. SPSOGD seeks to be a vibrant and supportive home within the field of psychology for those interested in sexual orientation and gender diversity as well as other issues related to social justice. We support and mentor students, early career professionals, and all members throughout their professional careers. We work collaboratively with other divisions and organizations on sexual orientation and gender diversity concerns to advance the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming and queer people locally, nationally, and internationally. The primary purposes of SPSOGD shall be: - To advance the contributions of psychology as a discipline to the understanding of sexual orientation and gender diversity through basic and applied research; To promote the development and delivery of affirmative psychological services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming and queer people; To promote education and training on sexual orientation and gender diversity across contexts and audiences; To use psychological knowledge to advocate for the advancement of social justice, public interest and the welfare of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and gender nonconforming and queer people; To inform the general public about research, practice, education and training and advocacy efforts related to sexual orientation and gender diversity. - In all of our activities, we take an intersectional approach to understanding the multiple systems and factors that influence lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming and queer people. - Further, SPSOGD appreciates the historic struggles of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming and queer people within psychology and broader national and international sociopolitical contexts. We acknowledge and honor the advocacy efforts undertaken by past and current members to promote social justice and inclusivity. We aim to preserve and apply the lessons learned from our history in our activities promoting research, affirmative practice, education, training, and advocacy. - Through its various committees, task forces, events, awards, and honors given to outstanding contributors, SPSOGD enlarges the scope of psychology's understanding of the needs of sexual minority individuals and communities. SPSOGD works together with other groups within APA, specifically APA’s Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, to advance affirmative science, practice, and public policy.