Steve Cisneros-Garcia, a PhD candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, has lofty goals for his dissertation: he is trying to conduct one of the most comprehensive studies of same-sex couples.
"Previous research suggests that same-sex partners in legalized relationships have better mental health outcomes than those without such recognition, but we don't really understand how or why," he said. "My dissertation tackles some of the potential mechanisms at play while addressing two major limitations of the minority stress model. More specific, I'm interested in how subtle sexual prejudice, like sexual-orientation micro-aggressions, impacts both the individual and consequentially the relationship. On the other hand, I'm also interested in how healthy relationships protect partners from the sting of minority stress."
Cisneros-Garcia, 31, lives in Rogers Park and is single, identifying as queer. He was born and raised on the Southwest side and attended St. Rita High School.
"We know very little about LGBT subpopulations, which includes same-sex couples," Cisneros-Garcia said. "In particular, we know very little about ethnic minority, low-income, interracial, and age-discordant couples. I'm part of a new generation of LGBT health researchers who believe it's time to change this, including how we approach the topic."
For example, he pointed out, historically, most research on same-sex couples typically compares these relationships to that of heterosexuals. "This comparison is itself a form of heterosexism suggesting that heterosexuals are the norm—and frankly I don't believe that," he said. "Same-sex relationships are not homogenous, and this is good. I believe that we need to better understand the diversity, or within group variability, of our community including how affects health over time. Moreover, I believe that we need to do this in a non-judgmental—objective, even—way, and that science can help. I want to learn more about the strengths of our community, including how we love and thrive, and to use this knowledge to help others."
Cisneros-Garcia said his study, which he hopes to complete by the end of the summer, has three main goals, starting with, to better understand what same-sex couples are doing well, which will inform clinical interventions. Second, he said, to address current theoretical limitations so as to contribute meaningfully to the scientific dialogue on LGBT health disparities. Third, and most important, he said, is to make a real difference in reducing LGBT health disparities.
"The Institute of Medicine recently published a report with recommendations on how to do this; one way is to collect comprehensive sexual-minority specific population data. My dissertation will do just this, and I hope to understand both who does and does not participate in my research," he said.
"A lot of what we know about same-sex relationships comes from highly educated, upper class, white lesbians. I think these women are wonderful, and have pioneered much of what we know about same-sex relationships. Still, I also know that there are plenty of unheard voices. For example, we know very little about the relationships of Latina lesbians, gay dads, non-monogamous, and interracial couples. I hope to actually recruit a diverse sample, [and] think I'm in a good place to do so living in Cook County and being part of the [LGBT] community."
His plan is to reach out to all same-sex couples who have celebrated a civil union in Cook County since June 1, 2011.
"This dissertation project is really the culmination of the clinical-scientist training/apprenticeship I have received at UIC," he said. "I have spent the last seven years studying LGBT health and development with Dr. Brian Mustanski and the IMPACT program in various capacities. Coincidentally, I joined IMPACT because I was not awarded a Fulbright Fellowship. In 2007 I was a finalist, and although there was a 50/50 shot that I'd get to study same-sex marriage in Spain—I didn't receive the award. Perhaps I didn't get it because it was under the Bush's administration ( the president's administration decides who gets the final awards ), but perhaps not. At any rate, since I didn't get the award I decided to change [my] focus and learn more about LGBT youth. I joined the IMPACT program as its first full-time staff person in [the] fall [of] 2007. I'm excited to return to this topic of same-sex partnerships for my dissertation."
Cisneros-Garcia said the long-term goal of the study is "to paint an accurate picture of the mental, physical, and relational health of same-sex partners in our community." He is particularly interested in understanding how prejudice and stigma "get under the skin" and the effective coping strategies used to combat it, he said. "This information will be used either to inform current clinical models, including how to promote best practices, or to better understand how to help same-sex couples in need. I'd like to conduct high quality, feminist research—I don't believe the best approach is top ( researcher ) down ( participant ). It might, at first, start out this way, but I'd like to learn more about the couples using mixed-methods ( combining qualitative and quantitative methods ) to better understand their needs. I want to know what they think is important. I'm truly invested in listening to partners' voices, and to the extent that is possible meeting and getting to know them. The best research is longitudinal, and in an ideal world, I will continue to obtain funding to follow these couples once or twice a year for as long as possible. I would like a research career where I conduct quality work that helps advance our community."
Cisneros-Garcia has, so far, raised about $2,000 and also has applied for several dissertation grants. "As a PhD student, I'm limited to the type of funding I can get," he said. "That is, I cannot apply to the really big grants as a principal investigator. Still, I can conduct a comprehensive study for my dissertation with approximately $15,000 to $20,000. This would cover all supplies, costs and some participant incentives. In an ideal study I'd have up to three times that so that I could actually pay the participants. Assuming I get this quantity, I'll be able to raffle approximately forty $50 gift certificates to encourage couples to participate. It's not much, but I'm hopeful that folks will be willing to help out a young LGBT scholar."
Anyone willing to donate to Cisneros-Garcia's dissertation fund can do so at: fundly.com/cook-county-couples-project or via Paypal at: bit.ly/1jcAEpg .
