If you are queer, trans, or nonbinary and are in an intimate relationship, we want to hear from you! Click here to take our eligibility survey. Share your story!

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

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About the SOQIR study

SOQIR (So Queer) is a study of queer, trans, and nonbinary people's 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.

Join SOQIR for our first event!

Great food, awesome swag, and candid convos with queer relationship and health experts!
**Click** **here** **to RSVP.**

**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 research 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, reading tarot, spending time at the lake, and playing with my adorable cats Violet and Andy!

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.

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.

Grace Moore, BS (she/her)

Hi, my name is Grace! I am new to Chicago and originally from the Greater Boston Area.  I have a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University and am excited to start my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Northwestern (making my way around the compass)!   My research interests are violence risk assessment, intimate partner violence, women’s health, sexual health and education. I am so excited to join the SOQIR team and contribute to the queer community!  I am Capricorn sun and enjoy hiking, skiing, cooking, podcasts, audiobooks, and the visual/performing arts.

Allie Mangus, BS (she/her)

Hello! I’m Allie and I am a Clinical Psychology master’s student at Northwestern, as well as a research assistant for the SOQIR study. I graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s in Psychology, Women’s Studies, and Criminal Justice. My research interests include PTSD, specifically as it relates to survivors of sexual violence, trauma-informed care, and maternal mental health. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going to concerts, reading, finding new coffee shops, and watching movies.

Julia Bonetto, BS (she/her)

I’m new to the Chicago area, and I’m originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. I graduated from Clemson with a bachelors in Biological Sciences (Go Tigers!) and now I’m so excited to be starting a Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Northwestern. My research interests are close relationship dynamics, SGM health, women’s health, and eating and weight disorders. I’m a Taurus and I like live music, sunny days outside, and time spent with good friends. I’m really excited to be working with SOQIR and to contribute to research on the queer community.

Erin Shukis, BS (they/them)

Hello! My name is Erin Shukis and I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. I went to school at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.I have a Double Bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminology, and am now completing my Clinical Psychology Masters degree. I am very interested in any aspect of Forensic Psychology relating to the LGBTQIA community, specifically Intimate Partner Violence and covert/overt racism. I love music, including concerts, collecting vinyls, and so on.

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.