USU's Tyler Lefevor Joins PRRI Cohort to Study Religion, Culture, Politics

Utah State University Assistant Professor Tyler Lefevor has been selected to join the 2022-2023 cohort of the Public Religion Research Institute Public Fellows Program. This will be Lefevor’s second year in the program, which works alongside PRRI researchers and staff to study contemporary issues related to religion, culture and politics.

“The Public Fellows Program is a unique opportunity to connect with other scholars who are invested in LGBTQ+ rights and learn how we can make our work more accessible to the public,” said Lefevor, who is part of the Department of Psychology in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services. “I’m excited and honored to get to participate with such a distinguished group.”

Lefevor’s research examines the relationship between sexual and gender identity and religion. He seeks to better inform psychotherapy, public policy and ministry by studying the health disparities experienced by sexual and gender minorities and creating better understanding of how sexual and gender identities intersect with religious identities to help or hinder health. Lefevor also has a private therapy practice and enjoys supervising beginnings clinicians who are interested in working with sexual and gender minorities.

Comprised of scholars in diverse fields such as history, sociology, political science, psychology and religious studies, this cohort is the organization’s fifth, and its second under the Religion and Renewing Democracy Initiative. Cohort members will contribute to PRRI’s major research areas in religious, racial, immigration and LGBTQIA+ studies, and they will have access to resources designed to encourage professional growth and collaboration with other scholars.

These resources will help Lefevor continue using his research to impact policy and help sexual and gender minorities live according to their identities and values.

“The fellowship offers trainings in translating research into policy work and public-facing scholarship, as well as connections to those who do this kind of work,” he said. “The combination of connections and trainings will be invaluable in helping me to share what I have learned about LGBTQ+ people and religion.”