The Carr-Ryan Center’s Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program invites fellowship applications from researchers, practitioners, advocates, and defenders with a demonstrated commitment to advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ peoples globally. We seek to attract a diverse group of fellows who want to pursue cutting-edge research on LGBTQI+ peoples, policies, and rights, using innovative methods and new ideas to impact global discourses and practices. 

We welcome applications from both emerging and established individuals whose research and practice are aligned with the priorities and protocols of the Carr-Ryan Center and Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program.

The Global LGBTQI+ Fellows Program is a yearlong affiliation (September 1 through June 30) that culminates in a Global LGBTQI+ Research Symposium in Cambridge, MA, where fellows will present their work to a community of leading academics and movement leaders. In addition to research and writing, fellows may audit classes, meet with faculty and other visiting experts, lead study groups with students, and participate in learning opportunities and public programs at the Kennedy School and across Harvard University. Fellows must commit to the following: 

Monthly Participation

  • Attend one monthly cohort meeting over Zoom
  • Engage in group discussion and peer feedback

Research Development

  • Present your work at least three times (initial ideas, early findings, working drafts)
  • Share materials in advance and provide feedback to peers

Spring Symposium

  • Present your final project at the Global LGBTQI+ Research Symposium to a community of leading academics and movement leaders.

Carr-Ryan fellowships through this open call are typically unpaid affiliations, though fellows sometimes cover their expenses by securing funding through their employer or home institution or through an external grant. Fellowships are also primarily non-residential, though limited shared office space may be available for fellows wishing to be in residence. Occasional access to shared office space may also be available for those who are visiting the Cambridge/Boston area. 

Fellowship applications must include the following materials:

  • Resume/CV
  • Research proposal (up to 3 pages), including a description of your qualifications and how your research aligns with the Carr-Ryan Center’s priorities  
  • Executive summary of proposal (up to 200 words)
  • Contact information for two references who can comment on your ability to complete the proposed research. These individuals may be contacted by the Carr-Ryan Center and need not submit additional documentation unless requested.
  • Relevant writing sample (up to 10 pages)
  • List of prior publications or comparable professional deliverables (with links or up to 3 attachments)

Fellowship applicants must respond the following prompts:

  1. What impact do you hope your research will have once it is published? How will your research achieve this impact? What problems will it help LGBTQI+ activists, policymakers and/or communities address?
  2. Fellowships are primarily non-residential, but please indicate if you have a particular need for a residential fellowship and why. (Residential appointments are granted at the full discretion of the Carr-Ryan Center.)
  3. Please indicate your funding sources (fellowships are unpaid).

Please also provide the following personal information:

  • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Email
    • Phone #
    • Current Affiliation (Institution)
    • Current Affiliation (Position)
    • Gender Identity
    • Pronouns
    • Mailing Address