Deep South Initiative for Advancing Sexual and Gender Minority Health
Who Are We?
The Deep South Initiative for Advancing Sexual and Gender Minority Health (DASH) is a partnership of diverse experts and advocates focused on sexual and gender minority risk and resilience. Drawing on the interdisciplinary expertise of scholars at UAB, we collaborate with our community partners to support sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities in the Deep South and across the country. We focus primarily on research, training & education, and community collaborations. Our shared aim is to enhance the health and wellbeing of SGM communities locally, regionally, and nationally.
Research
SGM individuals – designated in 2016 by NIH as a health disparity population – face dramatic inequities. Although the South is home to the country’s largest SGM populations, regional progress toward equity remains tenuous. In the Deep South, academics and community partners must navigate one of the most complex social and political landscapes in the country. This challenging landscape amplifies the value of our research. To date, UAB has received more than $7 million dollars in funding for SGM research, resulting in more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, illustrating the breadth and depth of SGM-specific research as well as UAB’s wide-ranging expertise in SGM health and wellbeing.
Education & Training
Although health inequities are especially dramatic in the Deep South, UAB is one of only a few academic institutions focused on training individuals about how sexual orientation and gender identity affect population health. We are investing in the next generation of SGM researchers, clinicians, and practitioners by offering several education and training opportunities to UAB students as well as the broader community.
Community Events
Upcoming Events
- April 9, 2024: NIH SGMRO Regional Conference Hosted by DASH
Stay Connected
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