Graduate Student Devon Kimball Receives the 2024-25 Graduate Student J-DEI Research Grant

December 19, 2024 - Shelly DeJong

Devon Kimball, a 5th year doctoral candidate specializing in Clinical Science, received the 2024-25 Graduate Student J-DEI Research Grant. This grant seeks to encourage and support the department’s graduate students’ exemplary research on topics that examine or advance justice, diversity, equity, and/or inclusion. Devon recently shared about their work researching the experiencing of transgender and nonbinary people, why this work is important to them, and what this grant will allow them to do.  

  

Congratulations on the grant! Can you tell us about the research project that this grant will be impacting? 

This project is an extension of my work during my comprehensive exams, where I explored the experiences and the research that’s been done surrounding laws affecting trans and non-binary individuals and the outcomes associated with these laws. One key finding from my literature review was the lack of research that directly engages with trans and non-binary individuals about their experiences with these laws and how those laws impact their daily lives, particularly for trans adults. Additionally, it is important to recognize that legislation is part of a broader concept known as structural stigma. This concept also encompasses community attitudes and other societal factors that contribute to the perpetuation of stigma. This study aims to gather input from individuals about their lived experiences with structural stigma in their context. 

I am going to be interviewing individuals from various states around the United States where anti-trans and non-binary laws have been proposed. The focus will be on their experiences related to this legislation within their communities and states. I will use critical constructivist grounded theory to analyze and code these interviews. Since this is a qualitative study, I will categorize the information I collect to begin identifying a theory, structure, and hierarchy. This approach aims to help me understand the impact of these laws on people's lives. 

 

How did you end up wanting to research this? 

During my time at MSU, much of my research has focused on the role of the sociopolitical environment. One of the first studies I was involved in when I arrived here examined the experiences of trans and non-binary individuals from early 2020 to 2021. This study was significantly influenced by the responses to the election, as well as the unforeseen impact of COVID-19 and the various other events that unfolded during that period. We sought to understand how these sociopolitical events affected individuals, particularly those living in states with differing levels of support and trans-affirming laws. For me, this research set a vital tone—it was about more than just identifying concerns; it was about understanding how daily life is impacted by these events. Additionally, we explored how these sociopolitical factors manifested in therapy, specifically how trans adults felt about their therapists' responses to such events. As someone who also practices therapy, it’s crucial for me to consider how I can best support my clients when major issues arise that may affect them. My goal is always to be the most effective therapist I can be. 

  

Why is it important to you to do this work?  

Therapists and those working with transgender individuals often truly want to be supportive, but they may not know what steps to take. Therefore, having research that specifically focuses on what individuals find supportive can be incredibly beneficial. Providing a clear list of actionable items can lead to more affirming practices, helping people feel more confident in their approach. Additionally, it's important to recognize that the medicalization of transgender identities continues to present challenges, such as gatekeeping access to care. Exploring the resilience of transgender and non-binary individuals is crucial, especially in light of the historical context of medicalizing their identities and the ongoing barriers to gender-affirming healthcare. 

Furthermore, this is a population that has often been overlooked or not openly included in research. While it’s not that transgender and non-binary individuals do not participate in research, many may not feel comfortable disclosing their identities. Therefore, it’s vital to focus on this community, affirm their identities, and understand their challenges, strengths, and needs. This approach will allow us to provide better support. 

  

What does it mean to you to receive this grant? 

I'm really passionate about ensuring that our participants are compensated fairly. This grant is meaningful and important to me because it allows me to pay people fairly for their time. Asking someone to take an hour and a half out of their day to discuss sometimes difficult topics is significant, and I genuinely appreciate their willingness to participate. I am also grateful for the continued support for our research, both through smaller grants and larger ones from the university. It’s encouraging to know there are ways to sustain this work.  

 

Why do you think applying a psychology perspective on this topic is important?  

I think it's important to examine how we as psychologists can better support trans and nonbinary people, including their access to gender-affirming care. One practical reason is that, in many cases, a letter from a licensed mental health professional is often required to access gender-affirming care. While not all psychologists agree with this process, it remains a significant part of how care is delivered. Given that psychology plays a crucial role in facilitating access to care, it’s essential for mental health professionals to be mindful and affirming in their interactions. We should strive to be the best advocates we can be for those who are seeking necessary support. Additionally, psychology should focus on understanding the perspectives of individuals, particularly those identifying as transgender or non-binary. It’s vital to have this information to better understand their experiences and needs. By doing so, we can support them more effectively throughout their lives and contribute to building a welcoming and affirming community, where everyone can thrive. 

  

Would you like to give a shout out to anyone that has helped you in your PhD journey? 

I want to give a shout-out to my mentor, Dr. Jae Puckett, who has been incredibly supportive. I also want to recognize my lab mate, Kalei Glozier, who is in the same year as I am. He has always been a wonderful person to turn to when I'm trying to work things out and understand concepts. I really appreciate his availability and support.