Understanding the forces that influence the health of diverse, intersectional communities.

🌈 Meet one of our new Undergraduate RAs, Juan!
Juan is a sophomore at UMD. He is majoring in psychology and is interested in adolescents of immigrant families. He specifically wants to research how cultural expectations and social media affect family roles and the mental health of children of immigrants.
Welcome, Juan! 🧠🔍🌟

🌈 Welcome to one of our new Undergraduate RAs, Gayatri!
Gayatri is a junior psychology major at UMD with a minor in French. As part of the FIRE program, she has previously researched scaling mental health interventions in conflict regions. She intends to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology and work on creating accessible care that aligns with cultural competence and social justice, specifically focusing on Asian LGBTQ+ adolescents.
Fun Fact: Gayatri is a ping pong coach! 🏓💫

🌈 Introducing one of our new Graduate RAs, Langston!
Langston graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Psychology and a minor in queer studies. As an incoming MPS student at the University of Maryland, he is working to achieve his research goals of finding innovative treatments for Queer, trans, and BIPOC individuals. Their research experience has previously involved leading a study on using Virtual Reality as an alternative digital modality for therapy and counseling. Currently, his research interests include QTBIPOC Mental Health, Counseling Psychology, and Virtual Reality. They are also interested in the Psychology of mental health access and public policy.
Fun Fact: Langston likes to paint!🎨🖌️

🌈 Meet Carson, one of our new Graduate RAs!
Carson Brooks is a Clinical Psychology M.A. student at Towson University. He earned his B.S. in Psychological Sciences with minors in Counseling Psychology and Social Work from Ball State University in December 2023. Carson's research interests focus on minority stress theory and its impact on health equity outcomes in diverse, intersectional communities, particularly QTBIPOC populations. His current master’s thesis explores the relationships between sexual identity concealment and intimate partner violence in queer individuals, with attachment as a moderating variable. Carson hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology following his master’s degree and aspires to become a tenured professor, where he can teach psychology courses, lead a research lab focused on QTBIPOC health equity, and provide culturally affirming therapy to a small clinical caseload.
Fun Fact: Carson is a trained horsemanship instructor! 🐎✨

Share your experiences with us! Eligible teens have the chance to read an online comic and receive a $15 and $20 gift-card! Learn more about our new paid comic study and find out if you're eligible with our brief eligibility survey!
Visit https://tinyurl.com/lavlabcomic for the eligibility form!
#lgbtq #bipoc #research #qtbipocresearch

We need your help!!! Share your experiences with us today! Art by the amazing @queeeerchameleon
#lgbtq #bipoc #qtbipoc #research #teenhealth #bipocresearch #lgbtqresearch #comicbooks #comic

Happy Black History and Liberation Month! Today, we’re highlighting incredible Black queer and trans musical artists whose artistry and advocacy are paving the way for greater representation in the music industry. Their voices, stories, and creative expressions continue to challenge norms, inspire change, and shape the future of culture through music.
This month and beyond, let’s celebrate their brilliance, resilience, and revolutionary contributions. Take the time to listen, learn, and uplift Black queer artists. 🌈🎨
#blackhistorymonth #blackpride #supportblackartists #blackartists

“PRISM: Shades of Identity” is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and unapologetic identity. This zine has been created by and for the Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) community—amplifying stories, voices, and experiences that deserve to be heard. Created by the Lavender Lab’s Teen Advisory Board, the zine features powerful art, history, stories, poetry, and music. Scan the QR code or go to the-lavender-lab.com/tab-zine to explore the incredible work presented in this zine and join us in celebrating the diversity of the QTBIPOC experience!
#QTBIPOC
#lgbtqzine
#qtbipoczines

Today is the last day of Trans Awareness Week! 🩷🩵This week (and every week) we should celebrate, uplift, and stand in solidarity with transgender, gender diverse, and two spirit communities. Let’s continue to fight for rights of and uplift the voices of transgender, gender diverse, and two spirit folks!🗣️
#transresources🏳️⚧️
#transawarenessweek
#transrightsarehumanrights

November marks a special time when the U.S. celebrates Native American Heritage Month. This month gives us the opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and vast contributions of Indigenous peoples. Take some time to listen, learn, and honor the traditions from Indigenous people that have shaped our world.🤎
#nativeamericanheritagemonth
#indegenousvoices
#nativeamericanhistory

Passing the Phone: Research Assistant (RA) Edition 🧐🧐🧐 #research #lgbtq #queerresearch #qtbipoc #researchstudy #passingthephonechallenge











