Access Torch: Kalei Glozier

October 22, 2024 - Emily Jodway

Kalei Glozier (he/him), a fifth-year clinical science graduate student in the Department of Psychology, is our Access Torch for the month of October. During October, we celebrate LGBT History Month and the numerous ways gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have contributed to our country’s success. It also serves as a time to reflect on the history of the gay rights and civil rights movements, the resilience these groups have demonstrated and the necessary steps we still must take to create a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. As a clinical doctoral student interested in sexual behavior and wellbeing among transgender and nonbinary individuals as well as their development of protective and resiliency behaviors, Glozier is a great example of a leader in our MSU community working to improve the lives of this diverse community. 

Glozier is a Native Hawaiian and was raised among a culture that deeply values their community and its collective care and wellbeing. “This instilled in me a desire to help others, and I knew early on that I wanted to join a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives,” he said. As he also came to terms with his own queer identity and reflected on the support that he received from various persons and groups, he knew that part of what he wanted his work to center on was the creation of more affirming spaces for others on a similar journey. He discovered the field of LGBTQ+ clinical research while earning his undergraduate degree at University of Michigan.

Glozier earned his master’s degree from MSU in 2022, and has been working toward his doctorate since. It wasn’t until his time at MSU that he realized he had a wealth of knowledge surrounding sexual minority identities such as gay, lesbian and bisexual, but found a gap in his understanding of the experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals. 

“To bridge this gap, I sought to work with Dr. Jae Puckett, whose research focuses on the trans and nonbinary community, allowing me to build both my clinical and research skills in a more inclusive manner,” he said. 

Puckett is an associate professor in the psychology department and the Director of Trans-ilience, a community-engaged research team focused on studying stress and resilience in transgender and gender diverse individuals, which Glozier is a part of. He enjoys getting the opportunity to work with and learn from a diverse group of researchers and community members, and it is a constant reminder that despite the hardships and discrimination the LGBTQ+ community faces, there is a strong sense of strength and solidarity among them as well. 

“I deeply appreciate how the lab amplifies the voices of those who are often silenced, and the collaborative, inclusive environment has been a major source of personal and professional growth for me,” he said. 

As part of being a clinical doctoral student, Glozier is a Graduate Student Clinician in the MSU Psychological Clinic. He enjoys having the opportunity to work directly with members of the community through therapeutic spaces, where he can “offer evidence-based care and share resources.” 

“As a therapist, I work to create a space where clients feel understood and respected, while recognizing that I am not an expert on every individual’s experience,” he added. “It’s about holding space for them, validating their experiences, and working collaboratively to address the challenges they face.”

Glozier and his fellow researchers are passionate about studying pathways of strength and resilience as well as creating and fostering inclusive and affirming spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community. For some, their families, hometowns, or high schools may not have offered them the necessary support, and Glozier stresses the importance of both affirming spaces and care from therapists, doctors and other health professionals, which in turn can have a profound impact on the individual’s mental and emotional health. 

“Being affirmed in one’s gender identity, whether that’s through proper use of names and pronouns, access to appropriate healthcare, or even something as basic as finding a bathroom where you feel safe and comfortable, can make an immense difference in someone’s daily experience,” he explained. He suggests actions like the inclusion of a pride flag in offices and public spaces, name tags with pronouns included, and intake forms at the doctor’s office that reflect gender diverse identities. 

Glozier is grateful for the spaces that MSU has created on campus that aim to foster a more inclusive and accepting environment. He mentions the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC), which provides resources and a space where LGBTQ+ students can connect with other students, access support services, and find a community. But there can always be more done to support these individuals.  

“I am hopeful that MSU will continue to grow in its commitment to supporting its LGBTQ+ students and become a leader in creating a truly inclusive university environment,” he said.

During October, Glozier likes to celebrate the legacies of those who fought for the rights and freedoms that are afforded to the LGBTQ+ community today. He also takes particular time to recognize Black and Brown queer individuals who fought tirelessly for equality in both the civil rights and gay rights movements. 

“For me, LGBT History Month is also about looking to the future and continuing the fight for equality, while ensuring that our history remains visible and relevant as we face new challenges in the ongoing struggle for justice and inclusion.”