What: A research study of the close relationships of sexual minorities. Sexual minorities include people who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or otherwise non-heterosexual. The close relationships covered by the study include friendships, romantic or sexual relationships, parent-child relationships, sibling relationships, and any other relationships that people in the study view as close relationships or important relationships in their past or present lives.

Why: The purpose of this study is to gain better understanding of the close relationships and social supports that are important in the lives of sexual minorities, and to understand what kinds of social changes sexual minorities would like to see to better support these relationships. The results of the study will hold interest for members of sexual minority populations, policymakers, academics, and the general public.

Who: The study’s principal investigator is Kathleen Hull, an associate professor in the Sociology Department at the University of Minnesota, and the co-investigator is Timothy Ortyl, a graduate student in the Sociology Department. Our contact information appears below.

How: We will be collecting information from study participants through individual in-depth interviews lasting approximately 1-2 hours and through focus group interviews lasting 2-3 hours. The interviews cover personal and relationship history, current close relationships of various kinds, and views about social and legal changes needed to support these close relationships. With permission, the interviews will be recorded and transcribed for later analysis. All study records will be kept private and stored in a secure location. Reports and publications from this study will not include any information that would make it possible to identify a study participant. All participants will be assigned pseudonyms. All study participants will receive a stipend of $25. Also, interested participants can receive a summary report of the study’s results.

Where: Individual interviews will take place at a location of the study participant’s choosing, such as their home, a public setting, or an office on campus at the University of Minnesota. Focus groups will take place on campus or in community centers with meeting space.

When: The study is underway, with most interviews and focus groups occurring this summer and fall.

Contact Information: Please contact either of the researchers by mail, phone or e-mail if you have questions about the study or would like to participate.

Kathleen Hull : (612) 624-4339 or hull@umn.edu
Timothy Ortyl: ortyl001@umn.edu

Mailing address:
Dept. of Sociology, 909 Social Sciences, 267 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455