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Ph.D. Student Nora Wynn Awarded Grant to Study LGBTQ+ Sexual Desire

The School of Social Work is proud to learn that doctoral student Nora Wynn, AM has been awarded a $1,005 grant from the International Association for Social Work with Groups for her dissertation research Exploring Experiences of Desire with Queer Young People through Photovoice. Wynn will work with 12 LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18-24 as they discuss photographs they feel represent queer desire and sexuality. Discussions will take place across seven Zoom sessions facilitated by Wynn.

"Nora is creating an essential platform and channel for a community to articulate their thoughts and ideas, a community whose voices have been silenced both historically and in today's divisive and politicized environment," said Doctoral Program Director Terry Northcut, Ph.D. "Her research research not only acknowledges the importance of sexual desire within LGBTQ+ young adults but also celebrates it within creative and affirming methodology."

Wynn's proposal stated she hopes to "add to the limited body of research exploring the potential strengths and benefits of sexuality for queer young people, to center the lived experiences of queer young people in the research on their lives, and to cultivate a supportive community where queer young people can openly discuss issues related to sexuality amongst their peers."