Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Research Convening

Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Research Convening

April 30–May 1, 2026 | Harvard Kennedy School

At a moment of profound challenge and transformation for LGBTQI+ communities worldwide, the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights at Harvard Kennedy School, in partnership with the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, convenes a global community of scholars, practitioners, and human rights defenders to advance cutting-edge research and collective insight.

This inaugural Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Research Convening brings together the first cohort of Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Fellows, representing diverse geographies including Kenya, Pakistan, Morocco, Canada, South Africa, and the United States. Their work spans disciplines and methodologies, but is united by a shared commitment to advancing dignity, safety, freedom, and equality for LGBTQI+ people globally.

Over two days, the convening will feature a series of research panels chaired by leading Harvard faculty and program affiliates, who will serve as respondents and engage directly with Fellows’ work.

This convening is designed not only as a presentation of research, but as a launchpad for an enduring global research community—one that connects scholarship with practice and evidence with action.

Thursday, April 30 | One Brattle Square, Room 401 

LGBTQI+ Public Health | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

Tabor Hoatson, "Intracommunity Diversity in Health Disparities: Lessons from Substance Use and Mortality Data"

Austin Waters, "Cancer Survivorship, Financial Hardship, and Health Equity among LGBTQ Populations

Wyatt Koma, "What is the Impact of Medicaid Coverage of Gender-Affirming Care on Use and Health Outcomes?"

Ivan Hsiao, "Trans Health HQ: Building Systems-Level Infrastructure for Scalable Gender-Affirming Healthcare Access"

Brittany Charlton, session chair

Lunch will be provided following the session.

LGBTQI+ Politics | 3:30 PM–5:30 PM

Reggie Greer, "Politics of Coalition Building in the United States: Reimagining LGBTQI+ Equality and Culture War Battles through a Human Rights Framework"

Jamie Keene, "Targeting Gender, Consolidating Power: How Attacks on Queer and Trans Rights are Fueling the Authoritarian Turn in U.S. Policy"

Jonathan Jayes-Green, "Elite Construction or Organic Backlash?: An Analysis of Anti-Trans Politicial Developments in the U.S."

Kellie Lounds, "Values First: Communicating to Protect Bodily Autonomy, Trans Rights, and Gender Affirming Care in Direct Democracy Contexts"

Sandra Susan Smith, session chair

Dinner will be provided following the session.

Friday, May 1 | Bell Hall, Belfer Building (5th floor), HKS

LGBTQI+ Activism and Narratives | 9:30 AM–11:30 AM

Lamyaaa Achary, "Decolonizing Knowledge: LGBTQI+ Resistance in the Maghreb"

Philomena Polefrone, "Read Them for Filth: LGBTQI+ Bookstores Past and Present"

Okwara Masafu, "Documenting the Jurisprudence of Queer Lawfare and Legal Mobilization in East Africa: Toward Decriminalization"

Jean Freedberg, "Movement Building for Equality: Developing a Practical Framework for LGBTQI+ Advocates Worldwide"

Evelynn Hammonds, session chair

Refreshments will be provided following the session.

LGBTQI+ Legal Frameworks | 1:30 PM–3:30 PM

Kimahli Powell, "Displacement Without a Border: Rethinking Internal Displacement Frameworks Through the Conditions Facing Transgender Individuals in the United States"

Nayyab Ali, "Reimagining Gender Justice in Muslim Countries: A Comparative Analysis of Shariah Interpretations and the Impact of the Anti-Gender Movement on Transgender Rights in Pakistan"

Alejandra Caraballo, "Evolving Landscape of Trans Healthcare in the United States after United States v. Skrmetti"

Jessica Stern, session chair

Refreshments will be provided following the session.