Sexual and Gender Identity Lab (SGI)

To Further Our Understanding...

SGI Lab Faculty Advisor: Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D.

Dr. Yarhouse directs the Sexual and Gender Identity (SGI) Institute and Lab. SGI is both a center of Wheaton College and a research lab for the doctoral programs in clinical psychology. The mission of SGI is, from a Christian worldview, to further our understanding of sexual and gender identity, and the intersection of these identities with religious identity, and to be a resource to students in training and those in the community who are stakeholders in these discussions. We do this through research, training, and consultations.

We conduct original research on sexual or gender identity and faith to help us further our understanding of these complex experiences for individuals, to be a resource to families navigating these experiences; and to be a resource to Christian institutions (e.g., churches, colleges and universities, campgrounds, parachurch ministries, and so on) as they make decisions about these topics and how to best serve others.

Be Part of SGI!

 

Research

• Autism Spectrum Conditions and Transgender Modalities
  SGI collaborates with multiple U.S. clinics to gather de-identified assessment data for those who have ASD and experience gender dysphoria or identify as transgender. Data includes cognitive functioning, intelligence, mood, and personality outcomes.
• SGI+ Project
  This is a study comparing LGBTQ+ students at Christian and state universities, as well as LGBTQ+ students to straight and cisgender students in both settings. Data includes religiosity, well-being, views of campus climate, and so on. 
• MOC & MGIC Study
  Survey and interviews of mixed orientation and mixed gender identity couples. Mixed orientation couples are couples in which one partner is a sexual minority and the other is straight. Mixed gender identity couples are couples in which one partner experiences gender dysphoria or may identify as transgender and the other spouse is cisgender.
• Side B TG Project
  Interviews of Christian transgender persons on what “Side B” means to them, their experience with gender discordance, and their spiritual faith journey. There is greater clarity about the meaning of Side B in the Christian sexual minority conversation; this study examines what Side B means to Christian who experience gender dysphoria or identify as transgender.  
  
  

Gender Evaluations

Doctoral students, beginning year one, are invited to participate in all-day comprehensive Gender Dysphoria evaluations with individuals and families who travel to SGI from all over the country. Gender evaluations include clinical interviews, assessments, integrated reports, and feedback sessions. Students collaborate with Dr. Yarhouse, receive supervision, and support all aspects of the evaluation.

Organizational Consultations

SGI is often involved in one or more organizational consultations throughout the academic school year. These have included businesses, nonprofits, schools, churches, and parachurch organizations. Students who are interested are welcome to be involved in all parts of the consultation, from initial contact to assessment of need to content creation and training. These have included local, national, and even international/global consultations. Such projects allow for hands-on experience learning how to conduct psychological consultations as well as advocating for individuals navigating sexual or gender identity and faith within Christian contexts. For those passionate about bridging the gap between psychology and the Church, as well as advocating for individuals navigating sexual or gender identity and faith, these are unique and richly rewarding opportunities.

Teaching | Training Opportunities

For those interested in unique teaching experiences, Dr. Yarhouse has been able to invite students to either co-teach/train or guest lecture for a variety of courses, professional workshops, or training events which he is involved in. Such opportunities allow students to develop competencies in specific topics within SGI and learn how to make effective presentations and adapt content to a variety of audiences.

Join Us!

The SGI Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment for students and researchers who are passionate about studying sexual and gender identity, particularly at the intersection of religious identity. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, valuing the unique contributions that each person brings to our community.

As a center of Wheaton College and a research lab for the doctoral programs in clinical psychology, we are dedicated to furthering understanding through research, training, and consultations. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and experience necessary to engage in meaningful scholarship and contribute to discussions on sexual and gender identity from a Christian worldview.

We encourage undergraduate and graduate students interested in engaging with our research to reach out. If you are interested in joining us, please contact us to learn more about available opportunities and how you can get involved.

We look forward to working together to advance thoughtful and impactful research in this important field.

Go Back to Our Research Listings

SGI Student Profiles

Hannah Hawkings

Where are you in the program?
I’m a 2nd year Psy.D student.

What are you currently working on in SGI?
I am currently working on two CQR research teams. One is “Family Disclosure and Secrecy Experiences of Lebanese Sexual Minorities,” and the other is with the SGI+ project analyzing “How Sexual Identity Development and Religious/Spiritual Development are Influencing Each Other.” Additionally, I’m working on my literature review and poster presentation for “Social Care and Support of Side B Transgender Christians.”

What do you love most about being part of SGI?
I love the camaraderie in the lab, where everyone, an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student, conservative or liberal-feels heard and valued. Dr. Yarhouse creates an environment of openness and respect that brings people together, fostering meaningful conversations about sexual and gender minorities. I’ve also especially appreciated the guidance and encouragement from Dr. Yarhouse and the upper-year students during my time at SGI.

Ezequiel Cruz Gutiérrez

Where are you in the program?
I am a third-year student in the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Wheaton College.

What are you currently working on in SGI?
I am engaging in discussions and learning from case consultations and lectures that explore the integration of faith and psychology in clinical practice, particularly related to gender and sexual orientation matters.

What do you love most about being part of SGI?
Being part of SGI has provided a valuable space to learn and receive modeling on how to integrate faith and psychology with integrity, humility, and curiosity as core values. I am honored to receive mentorship from Dr. Mark Yarhouse and to participate alongside fellow students and professional guests. The supportive and intellectually engaging environment at SGI has been instrumental in my growth as a researcher and clinician.