What is the SMILE Study?

The SMILE study is a research study to learn about the life experiences (including challenges and general wellbeing) of people who identify as sexual and/or gender minorities (SGM). It is happening in three countries: Brazil, Kenya, and Vietnam. “Sexual or gender minority” can mean people who are LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex). “Sexual or gender minority” can also refer to people attracted to the same gender/sex, or people who feel they are not the sex/gender they were given at birth, or people who do not feel they are male or female.

Who are we?

The SMILE research team is multidisciplinary and includes a variety of researchers with complementary backgrounds who have extensive experience working in diverse low- and middle-income country contexts and conducting inclusive research with SGMs. The lead investigators and majority of the team also identify as SGM.

Meet Our Team

Meet Our Partnerships

Where is the SMILE Study?

BRAZIL

KENYA

VIETNAM

Are you passionate about global SGM health research, practice, or policy?

Then please consider joining us in partnership!

Contact Us