About the SOQIR study

SOQIR (So Queer) is a study of same-sex, same-gender, and trans relationships — we want to learn more about your relationship, your stressors and your strengths — and what it is like being in a queer relationship right now. We are in a time of unprecedented rights and protections for LGBTQIA+ people — but sadly, these hard-won rights and protections are at risk in multiple states and countries. Given everything that is going on in the US, it is more important than ever to make our lives and relationships visible, and to make sure our voices are heard. If you are in a same-sex/same-gender relationship or are in a relationship where at least one person in the couple is transgender or nonbinary, we want to hear from you!

This study has been funded by a a transition to independence award to Cindy Veldhuis, PhD by the National Institutes of Health.

Our SOQIR Team

We are a team of LGBTQ researchers who have strong collaborative relationships and who are passionate about doing good research on LGBTQIA+ health.

CINDY VELDHUIS, PHD (she/her)

Hi, I'm Cindy Veldhuis, and I am the principal investigator for the SOQIR study. I have a Bachelors in Theatre and Psychology as well as a Masters in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Oregon, and a PhD in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I did my postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University and am now an assistant professor at Northwestern University. My area of research is LGBTQ intimate relationships. I am also interested in the effects of sociopolitical impacts on LGBTQ individuals (like the 2016 election and the current anti-LGBT bills). Outside of work, I love the theatre, making stuff (printmaking, ceramics, etc), and watching way too many DIY and interior design videos on YouTube.

Learn more

Jas Gibbs, MA (she/her)

Hi! I’m Jas Gibbs and I am the project coordinator for the SOQIR study. I have a Bachelors in Sociology with a Minor in English from North Carolina A&T State University and a Masters in Sociology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. My expertise is qualitative health research, specifically the Strong Black Woman archetype and its effect on Black women’s health and well-being. Outside of work, I enjoy concerts, tarot, and shopping!

Taylor Reid, PhD (she/her)

Hello, my name is Taylor Reid, and I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University. I graduated from Michigan State University with a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies. For my research, I am primarily interested in queer women’s intimate relationships with same-gender partners, with a focus on intimate partner violence and building healthy relationship dynamics. My expertise is in qualitative methods, particularly one-on-one interviews. Outside of work, I am passionate about writing creatively, swimming, and collecting DC comics.

Anamaría I. Rey Bollentini, BA (she/her)

Hi! I am Anamaría Rey Bollentini and I am half Italian and half Puerto Rican. I am a research assistant for the SOQIR study and a Clinical Psychology Master’s student at Northwestern University. I graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. My research interests are intimate partner violence and sexual assault against women. In my personal life, I enjoy reading, baking, writing short stories, and going to the beach.

Inés S Hernández, BA (she/her)

Hi! I’m Inés Sabina Hernández and I am Mexican, born and raised. I am currently a Clinical Psychology master's student at Northwestern University, and a research assistant for the SOQIR study. I graduated from Universidad de Monterrey with a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology. Professionally, I am interested in intimate partner violence, and gender studies. I enjoy cooking, reading, and binging tv shows that I won’t remember a week later.

Inaê Valério, PhD (she/her)

Hello! I am Inaê Valério and I am born and raised Brazilian. I'm currently volunteering as a researcher for the SOQIR study. I hold a bachelor's degree in Nutrition, and I earned my master's and PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Pelotas. During my PhD, I had the privilege of spending a year at Vanderbilt University in the USA. My research focuses on intimate partner violence, violence against children, and substance use. Outside of academia, I find joy in playing musical instruments, attending concerts, and watching reality shows that delve into the dynamics of romantic relationships.

MAIZIE (she/her)

Maizie is an important part of the SOQIR team and was actually named after Mazie Hirono, Senator from Hawaii, after she loudly and proudly supported the LGBTQIA+ community during the supreme court justice hearings in 2020. Maizie’s (the cat) full name is Notorious Maizie Mitzi Maple Kamala Harris Veldhuis and she loves research and really hopes to get to meet some of you during zoom interviews for the study! Someday she hopes to be a queer icon, but for now she is just ready to support the SOQIR study by being cute.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

TO BE ELIGIBLE, YOU SHOULD...

1. Be transgender/nonbinary, or a woman identifying as LGBTQ+;

2. Also currently be in a relationship with someone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, nonbinary, or who is same-sex or same-gender attracted.

4. Be 18 or over.

WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO DO?

SCREENING SURVEY: Take a screener survey (approx. 15-20 minutes) to determine your eligibility for the study.

INTERVIEWS (OPTIONAL): If you qualify, you and your partner may be asked to take part in our interviews (those who are invited to be interviewed will be compensated for their time). Total possible time commitment for the interviews may be up to 3-4 hours.