Prof. Cathy Schaeff, a biologist at American University in Washington DC, has just opened a new survey that may be of interest/use to those here. Her research overlaps with some of what has been a part of previous surveys on the Archive and extends it to other populations. The comparative data should be very interesting. I’ve attached her request for participants below. Please consider participating. Especially consider using the comment boxes to extend her understanding of sex and gender.

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Hi folks,

I am a researcher at American University. I am doing an IRB-approved study on patterns of sexual attraction and would appreciate your help in distributing the survey. I am looking for a broad range of participants (18+ year old), across as many identity categories as possible.

My survey asks, using inclusive language, questions about one's sense of identity, patterns of attraction (romantic and sexual), engagement in sexual activities, and satisfaction with one's body -- and how these have changed (or not) through life. Terms are defined and there is generally an option to write in a personalized response if the selections offered don't match your experience. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and I am told is fun and interesting. The web address is:

http://identityresearch.info

and there is an opportunity to receive follow-up information, participate in additional research, suggest ideas for future research and to enter to receive $50 gift cards.

Shifts in Patterns of Sexual Attraction

Many researchers assume that "sexual orientation" is static, shifting only as individuals become more self-aware/less constrained by social expectations. For this survey I want to collect data that accurately reflect the identities that people currently claim (much more fluid and expansive than the traditional attracted to men, women or both) in order to describe general patterns of attraction through one's life across a diverse group of participants. This will enable me to test the hypothesis that "sexual orientation" is a static state and to get a sense of what factors might influence how and to what degree shifts occur. This includes examining -- across a broad group of cis/trans, lesbian, bi/pansexual, gay, asexual, queer individuals -- the influence of self-awareness (coming out), body dysphoria (indicated in part by a desire to modify one's body) and the use of exogenous sex hormones.

Thank you and all the best,

Cathy Schaeff, PhD

Access Survey: http://identityresearch.info (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/ur ... kxANPcc&e=)

Opportunity to enter to win $50 gift cards

Cathy Schaeff, PhD

Associate Professor, Biology Department,

American University

I've done the survey, Justine x

Did it too. Hope it helps someone.

Survey completed.