Exploring how social connections affect the health of gender minority people of color
Official title: Social Connectedness and Health among Gender Minority People of Color
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11004310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the friendships and support networks of gender minority people of color can affect their mental and physical health, and it’s for anyone in those communities who wants to share their experiences and help us understand these important connections better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 21, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $612,485 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD017085-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are gender minority individuals of color aged 18 to 69 who are experiencing mental or physical health disparities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as gender minority or are outside the age range of 18 to 69 may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the social relationships and connectedness of gender minority people of color (GM POC) and how these factors influence their mental and physical health. By conducting in-depth qualitative interviews and structured assessments, the study aims to identify strengths and weaknesses in social support systems that may buffer against minority stress. The research will also explore the impact of social connectedness on aging and health outcomes, utilizing both self-report data and biological markers. Participants will be recruited from diverse communities in New York City and New Orleans, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the effects of structural stigma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes for gender minority people of color by enhancing their social support systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that enhancing social support can significantly improve health outcomes for marginalized populations, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bockting, Walter O. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bockting, Walter O.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.