Adrian M. Valadez (she/her) will be graduating with a Ph.D. in the Counseling Psychology emphasis after working under the direction of Dr. Tania Israel. Prior to attending UCSB, she received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies and her M.S. in Clinical Psychology. Adrian was named a Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Scholar in 2018 and was awarded the Malyon-Smith Scholarship Research Award from the American Psychological Association (Division 44) in 2020. Adrian's research interests are broadly related to improving LGBTQ+ mental health services and outcomes. More specifically, Adrian's most noteworthy projects include the adaptation and implementation of LGBTQ-affirming online interventions, the development of an implicit measure to assess levels of internalized binegativity among bisexuals, and qualitative analyses of the role of stigmatization in disclosure within Consensually Non-monogamous relationships. Adrian is currently working on her dissertation which is focused on Critical Consciousness and its role in resiliency among Latinx Sexual and Gender Minority individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
GGSE: What one thing about your research do you wish you could share with more people?
Adrian M. Valadez: The stigmatization of diverse LGBTQ+ individuals is deeply pervasive and current policies that target these populations reduce access to affirming, LIFE-SAVING care! Internalized stigma, reinforced by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, has the potential to do a great deal of psychological harm. The inclusive spaces we co-construct with our communities as psychologists and educators are more important than ever.
GGSE: Tell us about one of your fondest GGSE memories.
Valadez: At last year’s Transition Ceremony, I got to sing the song “For Good” from the musical Wicked. It was such a special moment and a great way to voice my appreciation for GGSE/CCSP before heading off to internship.
GGSE: What's next for you?
Valadez: In Fall 2023, I will be starting my tenure-track faculty position at California State University, Northridge (my dream job)!
GGSE: Where do you hope to see yourself in 10 years?
Valadez: In 10 years, I hope to have made a positive impact on diverse LGBTQ+ communities in both research and clinical work. I also hope that the incredible students that I get the privilege to mentor will become my beloved colleagues. Finally, I hope to have had at least one vacation.
GGSE: Are there people at the Gevirtz School you would like to thank?
Valadez: I have made life-long friends thanks to GGSE! Thank you for the evenings on State Street, Land Shark costume parties, tacos a la East Beach, and long walks on the beach (which are considerably less fun when you and a friend take a wrong turn in the Butterfly Grove trying to get back to your car at night)!
