This Special Issue on Global Overview of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) calls for scholarly research bordering on the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural determinants of sexual orientation and gender identity; gender discrimination; stereotypical views; sexual violence, intimate partner violence, violence against men, violence of women against men, and violence against women. These issues would be examined in specific regions (including Africa, Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia). It also seeks empirical and position papers on the impact of socialization processes on gender identity and women’s participation in leadership, politics and governance. It desires articles focusing on theories and practice of sexual orientation and gender identity; psychotherapeutic practices; gender considerations in formulating reproductive policies to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of all members of the society; health and social policy issues; global and regional human rights mechanisms and advocacy efforts targeting sexual and gender minorities, protection for women and LGBTIs and intersex issues; Applications of international, regional, and national law to the wide range of human rights violations addressed by the Yogyakarta Principles; and best-practices that have helped to achieve some international protection against homophobia and transphobia. It is further calls for submission of papers on the gender dimensions of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and infection, as well as on the politics of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Humanitarian Laws and International Criminal Law. This special issue is also on the lookout for articles showcasing topics that have shaped the field of gender studies, including queer studies, masculinity studies, and women’s studies. Contributions from all continents are solicited including Africa and Asia which are currently underrepresented in LGBT research.
Priority would be given to data-driven research articles that have direct implications for improving clinical practice and access to care, and reducing health disparities. It is imperative that LGBT and other sexual and gender minority populations are considered as distinct groups rather than combined as a single entity. Similarly, bisexual and transgender populations should not be grouped across gender. Gender assessment should include a two-step method that considers both natal gender (gender assigned at birth) and current gender identity.

Aims and Scope:

This Special Issue aims at providing information on the most recent developments in research, evidence-based clinical best practices, guidelines and policy issues on all sexual and gender minority from a global perspective. Specific potential concepts, ideas, and themes include, but are certainly not limited to:

1. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) – Advancing the understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), sexual and gender diversity, somatic intersex conditions and other variations of sex development, intersectionality among race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, sexual and gender minority status;
2. SOGI Theories – Articles exploring classical and contemporary theories of sex, gender, and sexual identities and the intersection of these identities with other social identities such as race, class, age, (dis)ability, and nationhood; and consider strategies for social change.
3. LGBTQ + Health - Examining the impact of personality characteristics, stigma, discrimination, violence, Substance use and abuse (alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs) on mental and physical health issues, including cancer risks, prevention, and screening behaviours, barriers to diagnosis and treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care; cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions relevant to SOGI and LGBTQ community;
4. HIV/AIDS and other STIs – risk behaviours, testing, prevention, and treatment services; sexual and reproductive health including assisted reproduction; Overweight, obesity and eating disorders; health needs particular to each sexual and gender minority population; showcasing best practices for improving delivery of and access to culturally competent healthcare;
5. Social Policies and Human Rights Laws - Examining and critiquing policy and practices, legislative, and education and training issues relevant to LGBTQ community.
6. Sex segregation and public spaces—being openly LGBTQ+ in public and its consequences; gender-neutral restrooms; transgender policies; incarceration rates and homeless rates for LGBTQ+ individuals; theorizing public space and what it means to live as a marginalized individual; issues of harassment, discrimination, and bullying.