“The Gift of Opportunity”: Reflections on the APF Franklyn Springfield LGBTQIA+ Congressional Fellowship with Dr. Tiffany Chenneville

In honor of National LGBTQIA+ Health Awareness Week, APF is highlighting the critical role of psychological research in addressing LGBTQIA+ health disparities and shaping inclusive, affirming and equitable policies and interventions. The APF Franklyn Springfield LGBTQIA+ Congressional Fellowship provides psychologists with an invaluable opportunity to apply their expertise in a legislative setting, driving meaningful change at the intersection of psychology and government. By equipping psychologists with hands-on policy experience, this fellowship strengthens the impact of psychological science in shaping legislation and addressing critical LGBTQIA+ issues.

In this blog post, Dr. Tiffany Chenneville shares her journey as a Springfield Fellow, reflecting on how the intersection of psychology and policy can create meaningful change. From advocating for inclusive HIV prevention policies to addressing privacy concerns surrounding gender-affirming care, Dr. Chenneville’s work demonstrates the power of psychological expertise in shaping legislation. Her experience shows how research-informed advocacy and policymaking can drive systemic change, ensuring that policies are responsive to the lived experiences of communities they impact.

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When I graduated high school in the late 1980s, the HIV epidemic had reached catastrophic levels, disproportionately affecting gay men, transgender women, and other marginalized communities. In response to the government’s inaction, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) along with other LGBTQIA+ activist groups organized protests and other activities to demand medical research and policies to protect people living with or at risk for HIV.

Although I already considered myself an ally and was aware of HIV’s devastation in LGBTQIA+ communities, it became personal in the early 1990s shortly after I graduated from college. While preparing for graduate school, I learned someone very close to me – a young gay man – had been diagnosed with HIV. The only available treatment for HIV at the time was AZT, a drug mired in controversy over high costs, limited accessibility, severe side effects, and concerns about real-world efficacy. As a result, HIV was still very much considered a death sentence. Like many others affected by HIV, I channeled my grief into advocacy, participating in the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Legislation and becoming involved in local politics, helping to fundraise and garner support for candidates who were supportive of LGBTQIA+ rights. Later, as a graduate student, I served on a regional Ryan White Planning Council, which was responsible for, among other things, developing HIV policies including those around the management of HIV funding and other resources. 

In the early 2000s, I began my career in academia, centering my program of research on the intersection of global sexual health and ethics with a particular focus on the psychosocial issues facing youth living with or affected by HIV, which often coincide with the stigma and health disparities experienced in marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to my research, I continued to serve as an LGBTQIA+ advocate and ally in myriad ways such as by mentoring students with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and through involvement in the governance of some of my professional organizations (e.g., chairing the American Psychological Association’s Ad Hoc Committee on Psychology and AIDS and serving on the National Association of School Psychologists’ committees responsible for drafting position papers on HIV and inclusive sexuality education). 

Having dedicated my career to advocating for the rights and equitable treatment of marginalized communities, I welcomed the opportunity in 2023 to serve as the inaugural American Psychological Foundation (APF) Franklyn Springfield LGBTQIA+ Congressional Fellow, part of the American Psychological Association Congressional Fellowship program. This fellowship allowed me to join a cohort of approximately 30 scientists, from different disciplines and regions of the United States, serving as Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows through the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS).

As a legislative branch fellow, I was extremely fortunate to land a position in the personal office of Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), a steadfast advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Senator Wyden was the first U.S. senator to publicly campaign for marriage equality in 1996, boldly stating, “If you don’t like gay marriage, don’t get one.” From opposing the Defense of Marriage Act and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to leading efforts for IRS recognition of same-sex marriages and co-sponsoring the Equality Act, Senator Wyden has consistently fought for equal rights and protections for all Americans.

During my time in Senator Wyden’s office, I collaborated with community partners to advocate for inclusive HIV prevention measures across all age groups, which culminated in Senator Wyden leading a letter to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) requesting the removal of the upper age limit in the CDC HIV testing guidelines. In addition, I contributed to drafting a letter in support of a proposed Health and Human Services rule aimed at strengthening protections for LGBTQIA+ youth in the foster care system. Given Senator Wyden’s leadership on the Senate Finance Committee (SFC), I worked alongside SFC staff to address privacy concerns related to gender-affirming care, assisting in the development of a public staff memo and a letter from Senator Wyden to state hospital associations to implement privacy-focused protocols. Furthermore, I helped draft a letter to the Federal Communications Commission, advocating for updated guidance on the Children’s Internet Protection Act to prevent schools from restricting students’ access to vital online resources, including mental health support and LGBTQIA+ youth services. Finally, I pursued legislative strategies to improve the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data in health records to promote inclusive care and in death investigations, a critical step in tracking LGBTQIA+ suicide rates and cases of violent death. 

In essence, the APF Franklyn Springfield LGBTQIA+ Congressional Fellowship was instrumental in helping me make a meaningful impact on LGBTQIA+ health by providing a platform to influence policy decisions related to HIV prevention and treatment, and broader LGBTQIA+ issues. Through the fellowship, I was able to contribute to efforts to develop evidence-based and equitable policies that address the needs of marginalized communities. The experience deepened my understanding of how psychological science can shape public health initiatives and reinforced my commitment to ensuring that research translates into real-world solutions.

Additionally, the fellowship helped expand my professional network, opening doors to new collaborations and research opportunities. This broader visibility has strengthened my ability to advocate for LGBTQIA+ health, particularly as I have pursued additional opportunities, such as the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (STPF) in the executive branch. Engaging at the intersection of psychological research and policy has been a powerful experience, allowing me to apply my scholarly expertise to influence systemic change in ways I had not previously considered. Furthermore, this experience has inspired me to mentor students and early-career professionals, passing on the knowledge and skills I have gained. 

The importance of work in LGBTQIA+ health cannot be overstated, especially given the current social climate. With ongoing challenges including legislative threats to LGBTQIA+ rights, disparities in healthcare access, and the mental health crisis among LGBTQIA+ youth, it is critical that researchers, policymakers, and advocates work together to promote inclusive, evidence-based solutions. Addressing these issues requires not only scientific expertise but also a commitment to equity and social justice. By leveraging the power of research and policy, we can help create a future where all individuals, regardless of identity, have access to the care and support they need.

Unfortunately, science itself is increasingly under attack, with misinformation, political agendas, and public distrust threatening evidence-based approaches to LGBTQIA+ health and well-being. As a current AAAS Executive Branch Fellow, I am a part of efforts to strengthen trust in science by ensuring research integrity, promoting transparency, and advocating for ethical standards in scientific inquiry. By actively combating misinformation, reinforcing the credibility of psychological science, and supporting policies that protect scientific integrity, all psychologists can contribute to a stronger, more trusted foundation for research that advances health equity and social justice for all, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

From witnessing the devastating impact of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s to advocating for evidence-based policies as an APF Franklyn Springfield LGBTQIA+ Legislative Branch Fellow and now as an AAAS STPF Executive Branch Fellow, my belief in the power of psychological science to drive meaningful change is stronger. The intersection of research, advocacy, and policy is where systemic transformation happens, and it is more critical now than ever to ensure that science remains a trusted force for progress. As LGBTQIA+ rights, public health, and scientific integrity continue to face challenges, psychologists and other researchers have a vital role to play in bridging the gap between knowledge and action. By fostering collaboration, advancing inclusive policies, and combating misinformation, we can work toward a future in which all individuals, regardless of identity, have access to the healthcare, protections, and dignity they deserve. While there is still much work to be done, I remain committed to using my expertise to advocate for equity, justice, and the role of science in shaping a better, more inclusive society. And I thank APF and Franklyn Springfield for gifting me the opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.