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Inequalities and discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and sex characteristics remain pervasive worldwide. Scholars have collaborated to address structural and social barriers in LGBTIQ+ research, creating a substantial literature base. However, much of this work focuses on specific segments of the population, overlooks resilience‐ and strengths‐based approaches, and is predominantly conducted in the U.S. and other Western countries. In this introduction article, we discuss how this special issue extends previous research by uniting scholars globally to collaboratively reimagine the lens through which scientists conduct LGBTIQ+ research. By exploring diverging needs across subgroups of LGBTIQ+ people, discussing the (dis)advantages of various methodological choices, and offering a better understanding of how unique legal and social landscapes affect LGBTIQ+ individuals globally, this special issue aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the current state of research combined with concrete directions for redress. Given that barriers to conducting LGBTIQ+ research differ significantly by nation, we conclude this introductory article by calling for a research community that is more aware of unequal power dynamics within academia, willing to take action to reduce disparities in the global academic system, and inclusive of voices from underrepresented groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on LGBTIQ+ populations has focused primarily on identifying problems in the community (e.g., health disparities) and their predictors (e.g., minority stressors, discrimination). Scholars have argued that the approach of highlighting "damage" or deficits has been helpful for advocacy but has also harmed this community by perpetuating stereotypes (e.g., LGBTIQ+ individuals are unhealthy), ignoring or devaluing positive LGBTIQ+ experiences, and contributing to negative interactions in healthcare settings. To evaluate the extent to which a damage‐centered approach dominates the body of available research, the authors of this article conducted a content analysis of articles related to LGBTIQ+ health published in the Journal of Social Issues (JSI). The content analysis of 45 years of published manuscripts (1978–2023) revealed a strong emphasis on damage‐centered themes. In response, this article advocates for structural changes that may lead to an increase in research that focuses LGBTIQ+ experiences more holistically, with the overarching goal of reimaging LGBTIQ+ research. Such suggested changes include concentrated research funding and publishing opportunities, medical training that emphasizes a strengths‐based focus, and function‐oriented and autonomy‐promoting LGBTIQ+ research. This article suggests strategies to improve patient‐provider interactions in healthcare and enhance the overall well‐being of LGBTIQ+ communities. It advocates for a deliberate expansion towards a more holistic, less damage‐centered body of research in LGBTIQ+ psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgender women are among the populations at highest risk for HIV in the USA and have elevated risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). There is an urgent need for integrated HIV-IPV prevention interventions for transgender women. Using qualitative methods, we explored transgender women's lived experiences of IPV and the relationship between IPV and HIV risk. Using thematic analysis, we identified four key concepts that warrant inclusion in the development of models for IPV and HIV interventions: (1) considering the boundaries of IPV; (2) normalising expectations of chronic violence; (3) relationship safety; (4) calls for trans-affirming and empowering services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]