The Problem Gender-diverse Muslims in the United States face unique and intersecting forms of stigma (e.g., transphobia, Islamophobia, racism, and racialization/ethnicization). These layered experiences often isolate individuals from both their religious and broader social communities, which leads to negative mental health outcomes and decreased access to affirming care. The Approach To address this challenge, Dr. Jibriel will: Utilize national data from the U.S. Transgender Survey to examine patterns of religious engagement, family dynamics (support, acceptance, rejection, disclosure), and mental health (psychological distress and suicidal outcomes). Apply Minority Stress Theory and intersectionality to identify structural and interpersonal determinants of mental health. Conduct community-engaged participatory research to co-create inclusive public health knowledge. Advance a strengths-based research agenda that bridges religion, gender, and health to examine how faith-based belonging and community resilience promote wellbeing among marginalized populations. Community/Culture: Bridges faith-based communities and public health to reduce stigma and promote belonging among gender-diverse Muslims. Religion and Gender as Social Determinants of Health Short Term Impact Provided evidence that both participation in affirming religious communities and supportive family relationships can mitigate minority stress and enhance mental health outcomes. Build initial collaborations with community organizations with the goal of applying research findings toward inclusive, culturally grounded mental health practices. Longer Term Impact Findings from this research will inform future community-based interventions that promote resilience and belonging among gender-diverse Muslims. With expanded funding and collaboration, this research has the opportunity to shape national conversations around religion and public health equity, which can better prepare and train providers in inclusive faithsensitive care and culturally grounded mental health programs. Societal Impact Funding will support research that enhances our understanding of how faith and family function as social determinants of health, which can guide more equitable and inclusive approaches to care. This research provides actionable insights that inform inclusive health and social policies attentive to the interactions of religion, identity, and health. "For many, faith can be a source of resilience, belonging, and healing, if communities and systems make space for it. Advancing this research requires continued investment in evidence-based approaches that address the intersection of religion, identity, and health. This work can inform policy, guide intervention design, and strengthen the capacity of public health systems to serve diverse populations with cultural and contextual precision.” - Mohammed Jibriel, PhD For more information visit https://health.lehigh.edu/research-partners or email INRSRCH@lehigh.edu 17
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