Supporting LGBTQ+ Communities through Innovative Research

University of Delaware highlights research from students and faculty in the 2026 LGBTQ+ research symposium

With a specialization in LGBTQ+ development, University of Delaware Assistant Professor Eric Layland often works to support LGBTQ+ well-being through research and affirmative community interventions. That’s one reason why he partnered with UD colleagues across the university to host the inaugural LGBTQ+ Research Symposium in May 2026.

“Rigorous research shows again and again that LGBTQ+ people can lead healthy, happy, meaningful lives when they experience support, acceptance and protections for basic human rights,” said Layland, assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) and director of the Queer Development Lab. “At a time when LGBTQ+ research is being censored across the country, it’s even more important that we uplift student voices and research to uncover ways to better support LGBTQ+ wellbeing, community and joy.”

The collaborative symposium was hosted by the Queer Development Lab, UD Queer and Trans Graduate Student Union, UD Pride Caucus, UD Queer and Trans Faculty Working Group and CEHD’s Department of HDFS.

The event included several short research presentations on LGBTQ+ social science topics, followed by a poster session and reception. Faculty and students in communication, sociology, education, psychology and more shared research on LGBTQ+ developmental milestones, community connection and social supports, experiences of body image on social media, mental health, mentorship during adolescence and U.S. education policies, among other topics.

“I enjoyed being able to connect with folks across departments here at UD who are conducting LGBTQ+ research,” said Mackenzie Myer, a doctoral student in the Department of Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences. “This work is important to me because queer folks are historically underrepresented in scholarship. As a health communication researcher, it’s my goal for LGBTQ+ voices to be amplified in the spirit of bettering mental and physical health outcomes.”

Given the symposium’s positive reception and the number of presenters interested in sharing their work, Layland and his collaborators are already planning future events.

“A room full to capacity and more than a dozen presentations showed us that the UD community wants events like this,” Layland said. “We are already talking about hosting another LGBTQ+ symposium next year.”

To learn more about on LGBTQ+ development, the social determinants of health or research in related fields, visit CEHD’s research webpage.

Header image caption: Assistant Professor Eric Layland gives opening remarks at the LGBTQ+ Research Symposium.

Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Kel Marquez-Henriquez.