Richard Brandon-Friedman, PHD, LCSW, LCAC

• Charles Bantz Community Scholar Award
  IUPUI Center for Translating Research into Practice, 2022
• Certified Professional Service Provider
  World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), 2020
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Scholarship Award
  Council on Social Work Education, 2020
• Social Worker of the Year – Region 7
  Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, 2018
• Certificate in College Teaching
  IUPUI Center for Teaching and Learning, 2017
• Certificate of Excellence in Teaching
  Indiana University School of Social Work, 2016
• Graduate Student Elite 50
  IUPUI Graduate and Professional Students Group, 2016
• Jerry Powers Esprit Award
  Indiana University School of Social Work, 2015
• Graduate Student Elite 50
  IUPUI Graduate and Professional Students Group, 2015
• Edie Moore Travel Scholarship
  Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine, 2015

• John H. Edwards Fellowship
  August 2016 – May 2017
• Indiana Title IV-E Waiver Project
  February 2016 – April 2016
• National Child Welfare Workforce Institute, Indiana Team
  August 2014 – August 2016
• Leadership and Education in Adolescent Health (IU School of Medicine)
  August 2014 – May 2016
• Indiana University Fellowship
  August 2013 – May 2014

(† co-authored with mentored student; * co-authored with community member)

• Howey, W., Jaggers, J. W., Church, W., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2025). Social work students’ perceptions of sex offender management policies. Journal of Social Work Education, 61(3), 489–500.
• †*Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Swafford, T. R., & Heinz, M. J. (2025). When “helping” hurts: Exploring and counteracting narratives of family members opposed to gender-affirming care for gender-diverse youth. LGBTQ+ Family: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 22(1), 19–39.
• †*Morales, S., Fledderman, T., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Parlett, T., Tabb, A., Fortenberry, J. D., Swafford, T. R., Imburgia, T. M., Canada, M., Donahue, K. L. (2025). Gender-diverse youths’ experiences when accessing gender-affirming care. Journal of Adolescent Health, 76, S87.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Tabb, A., Canada, M., Imburgia, T. M., Swafford, T. R., Fortenberry, J. D., & Donahue, K. (2025). Perspectives of gender-diverse youth and caregivers facing gender-affirming medical intervention bans. LGBT Health, 12(2), 108–115.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Tabb, A., Canada, M., Imburgia, T. M., Swafford, T. R., Fortenberry, J. D., & Donahue, K. (2024). The perspectives of gender-diverse youth and caregivers coping with legislation banning gender-affirming medical interventions. Journal of Adolescent Health, 74(3), S8–S9.
• †Swafford, T. R., Imburgia, T., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024). “Out of the mouths of babes”: Exploring COVID-19’s impact on identity formation for gender-diverse youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 74(3), S90.
• †Swafford, T. R., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Ungaro, A. M. (2023). Forming identities of their own: Gay men reconciling self-love, hurt, and the impact of the Pentecostal church. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work, 9(4), 458–476.
• †Tabb, A., Swafford, T. R., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023). The role of caregiver acceptance and sex assigned at birth on depression among gender-diverse youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 72(3), S18.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023). Sexual identity development and sexual well-being: Differences between racial/ethnic minority and non-racial/ethnic minority former foster youth. Journal of Public Child Welfare, 17(4), 924–946.
• †Kinney, M. K., Cosgrove, D. C., Swafford, T. R., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023). Transgender and gender expansive experiences in social work education. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 50(1), Article 6.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Swafford, T. R. (2023). Gender differences in sexual well-being and sexual identity development among youth formerly in the foster care system. Youth, 3(1), 184–198.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2021). Does it get better? Exploring “It Gets Better” videos using visual sociology. Journal of LGBT Youth, 18(4), 421–437.
• †Winters, D. E., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Yepes, G., & Hinkley, J. D. (2021). Systematic review and meta-analysis of socio-cognitive and socio-affective functions underlying adolescent substance use. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 219, 108479.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Pierce, B. J., Wahler, E. A., Thigpen, J. W., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2020). Sexual identity development and sexual well-being: Differences between sexual minority and non-sexual minority former foster youth. Children and Youth Services Review, 117, 105294.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2020). The impact of adverse childhood experiences on sexual well-being among youth formerly in the foster care system. Child Welfare, 97(5–6), 169–189.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Wahler, E. A., Pierce, B. J., Thigpen, J. W., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2019). The impact of sociosexualization and sexual identity development on the sexual well-being of youth formerly in the foster care system. Journal of Adolescent Health, 66(4), 439–446.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019). Youth sexual identity development: A primer for social workers. Social Work, 64(4), 356–364.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019). The impact of sexual identity development on the sexual health of former foster youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 64(2), S47.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2017). Deviance, power, stigma, and control: A sociological reconceptualization of sexuality within social work services. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 64(1), 141–164.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kim, H.-W. (2016). Using social support levels to predict sexual identity development among college students who identify as a sexual minority. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 28(4), 292–316.
• Winter, V. R., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Ely, G. E. (2016). Sexual health behaviors and outcomes among current and former foster youth: A review of the literature. Children and Youth Services Review, 64, 1–14.
• Wasmuth, S., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Olesek, K. (2016). A grounded theory of veterans’ experiences of addiction-as-occupation. Journal of Occupational Science, 23(1), 128–141.

Book Chapters

• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (Forthcoming, 2026). School social work and the LGBTQ community. In C. R. Massat, S. Dennis, & K. Phillippo (Eds.), School social work: Practice, policy, and research (10th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Heinz, M. J. (2022). Enhancing the psychosocial and sexual well-being of gender-diverse young adults within a multidisciplinary clinic. In J. McCoyd & J. E. Lee (Eds.), Social work in health settings: Practice in context (5th ed., pp. 171–184). Routledge.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2022). Social work practice with LGBTQ+ individuals. In L. Rapp-McCall, K. Corcoran, & B. Roberts (Eds.), Social workers’ desk reference (4th ed., pp. 950–958). Oxford University Press.
• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Snedecor, R., & Ramseyer Winter, V. (2021). Intersections between body image, sexual identity, and sexual health among transgender youth. In S. J. Dodd (Ed.), Handbook of social work and sexualities. Routledge.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021). Gender dysphoria. In H. Armstrong (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sex and sexuality: Understanding biology, psychology, and culture (Vol. 1). ABC-CLIO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021). LGBTQ+. In H. Armstrong (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sex and sexuality: Understanding biology, psychology, and culture (Vol. 1). ABC-CLIO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021). Outing. In H. Armstrong (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sex and sexuality: Understanding biology, psychology, and culture (Vol. 2). ABC-CLIO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021). Sexual identity. In H. Armstrong (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sex and sexuality: Understanding biology, psychology, and culture (Vol. 2). ABC-CLIO.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2021). Assisting youth with disclosing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity using an ecomap. In J. Whitman & C. Boyd (Eds.), Homework assignments and handouts for LGBTQ+ Clients: A mental health and counseling handbook (pp. 30–39). Routledge.
• †Kinney, M. K., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021). Exploring gender identity with a photo diary. In J. Whitman & C. Boyd (Eds.), Homework assignments and handouts for LGBTQ+ Clients: A mental health and counseling handbook (pp. 340–347). Routledge.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Karnoski, R., & Hall, S. F. (2020). Working with transgender and nonbinary youth in the child welfare system. In S. K. Kattari, N. E. Walls, L. Kattari, & M. K. Kinney (Eds.), Social work and health care with transgender and nonbinary individuals and communities (pp. 148–162). Routledge.
• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Warden, R., Waletich, R., & Donahue, K. L. (2020). Supporting caregivers and family members of transgender and nonbinary youth. In S. K. Kattari et al. (Eds.), Social work and health care with transgender and nonbinary individuals and communities (pp. 194–207). Routledge.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019). Fostering, forcing choice. [Case study on a transgender youth in the child welfare system]. In T. M. Argüello (Ed.), Queer social work: Cases for LGBTQ+ affirmative practice (pp. 102–112). Columbia University Press.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Folaron, G. M. (2018). Coming out in rural America: The case of Emilio Hernandez. In J. Riebschleger & B. J. Pierce (Eds.), Rural child welfare: Stories from the field (pp. 151–166). Oxford University Press.

Peer-Reviewed Presentations — International

• †*Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Swafford, T. R., Kwon, J. K., Imburgia, T. M., & Lown, M. L. (Upcoming, August 2026). Space to focus on me: How social distancing during COVID advanced gender-diverse youths’ identity development. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Childhood and Adolescence: A Global Forum on Development, Health, and Rights, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
• †*Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Kwon, J. K., Parlett, T., Lown, M. L., Swafford, T. R., Tabb, A., Imburgia, T. M., & Dellucci, T. V. (Upcoming, August 2026). Impact of social changes on gender-diverse youths’ well-being after the 2025 United States presidential inauguration. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Childhood and Adolescence: A Global Forum on Development, Health, and Rights, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Swafford, T. R., & Ungaro, A. (2025, July). Using minority stress theory to understand progression toward self-acceptance among gay men raised within the Pentecostal Church. Paper presentation at the 2025 International Social Work and Sexualities Conference, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Dellucci, T. V. (2025, July). The impact of sexual identity development on young adults' sexual well-being. Paper presentation at the 2025 International Social Work and Sexualities Conference, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
• †Kinney, M. K. & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2018, August). Community involvement and well-being: Implications for LGBTQ+ People of Color. Paper presentation at the 2018 Congrès sur le travail social et les sexualitiés / Social Work and Sexualities Conference, Montreal, Canada.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2014, May). A consideration of the dialectic between two epistemological understandings of sexuality and the implications for social work practice. Paper presented at the 4th International Conference on Sociology and Social Work, Los Angeles, CA.

Peer-Reviewed Presentations — National

• †*Tabb, A., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Morales, S., Kwon, J. K., Parlett, T., & Lown, M. L. (2026, January). Navigating research method challenges in a changing sociopolitical landscape: Conducting responsive research with gender-diverse youth. Roundtable presentation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Washington, DC.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Dellucci, T. V. (October 2025). Associations between gender-diverse youths’ and caregivers’ perceptions of support and youths’ depression. Poster presentation, 71st Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Denver, CO.
• †*Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Kwon, J. K., Parlett, T., Tabb, A., Lown, M., Dellucci, T. V., & Donahue, K. L. (2025, September). Eroding safety: The impact of the sociopolitical climate on gender-diverse youth after 2025 U.S. presidential inauguration. Oral presentation at USPATH 2025 Scientific Symposium, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM.
• †*Tabb, A., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Kwon, J. K., Lown, M., Dellucci, T. V., & Donahue, K. L. (2025, September). Exploring the well-being of gender-diverse youth: Methodological challenges and three completed analyses. Panel presentation at the 2025 LGBTQ Research Symposium (Virtual).
• †*Morales, S., Fledderman, T., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Parlett, T., Tabb, A., Fortenberry, J. D., Swafford, T. R., Imburgia, T. M., Canada, M., & Donahue, K. L. (2025, March). Gender-diverse youths’ experiences when accessing gender-affirming care. Poster presentation at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine 2025 Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
• †Tabb, A., Swafford, T. S., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Imburgia, T. (2025, January). Lessons learned while quarantining: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender-diverse youth’s identity development. Poster presentation at the 29th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Seattle, WA.
• Williamson, N., Bennett, R. M., Madison-Millard, A., Hammond, J., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024, October). Anti-racist, diversity, equity, and inclusion panel. Panel presentation, 70th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Kansas City, MO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024, October). Moving toward self-understanding: Exploring COVID-19’s impact on identity formation for gender-diverse youth. Poster presentation, 70th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Kansas City, MO.
• †Swafford, T. R., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024, October). When helping hurts: Counteracting narratives of gender-diverse youths’ families who oppose gender-affirming care. Oral presentation, 70th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Kansas City, MO.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Swafford, T. R. (2024, April). “What happened to ‘Do no harm’?”: Counteracting narratives of family members opposed to gender-affirming care. Oral presentation, LGBTQ Healthcare Conference 2024 (Virtual).
• *Donahue, K., Dellucci, T., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Fledderman, T., & Peipert, A. (2024, April). Individualized treatment progress and perceived clinic support among adolescents and young adults receiving care in a pediatric gender health clinic. Oral presentation at the 2024 Society of Pediatric Psychology Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Tabb, A., Canada, M., Imburgia, T. M., Swafford, T. R., Fortenberry, J. D., & Donahue, K. (2024, March). The perspectives of gender-diverse youth and caregivers coping with legislation banning gender-affirming medical interventions. Oral presentation at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine 2024 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
• †Swafford, T. R., Imburgia, T. M., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024, March). “Out of the mouths of babes”: Exploring COVID-19’s impact on identity formation for gender-diverse youth. Oral presentation at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine 2024 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Swafford, T. R. (2023, November). Development of the Families in Transition therapeutic group for gender-diverse youth and their caregivers. Oral presentation at USPATH 2023 Scientific Symposium, Westminster, CO.
• †Swafford, T. R., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023, November). Using community engagement to design a curriculum for and by transgender/gender-diverse People of Color. Paper presentation at USPATH 2023 Scientific Symposium, Westminster, CO.
• †Swafford, T. R., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Tabb, A. (2023, November). The impact of sex assigned at birth and caregiver support on gender-diverse youths’ depression levels. Poster presentation at USPATH 2023 Scientific Symposium, Westminster, CO.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Swafford, T. R. (2023, October). Families in Transition: Development of a therapeutic group for gender-diverse youth and their caregivers. Oral presentation, 69th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Atlanta, GA.
• †Tabb, A., Swafford, T. R., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023, March). The role of caregiver acceptance and sex assigned at birth on depression among gender-diverse youth. Oral presentation at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine 2023 Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
• †Swafford, T. R., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023, January). Defining safety among gender-diverse/transgender People of Color. Oral presentation at the 27th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Phoenix, AZ.
• †Swafford, T. R., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2022, March). Defining safety: The experiences of transgender People of Color. Oral presentation at the LGBTQ Healthcare Conference 2022 (Virtual).
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Swafford, T. R. (2021, November). Meeting the needs of family members of gender-diverse youth: A mixed-methods inquiry. Poster presentation at the 67th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Orlando, FL.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Swafford, T. R. (2021, January). The information needs of family members of gender-diverse youth. Poster presentation at the 25th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research (Virtual).
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2020, November). Male versus female foster youth: Sexual well-being and identity development differences. Poster presentation at the 66th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Denver, CO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019, October). Adverse childhood experiences’ impact on the sexual wellbeing of former foster youth. Poster presentation at the 65th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Denver, CO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019, October). Adverse childhood experiences’ impact on anxiety and depression among former foster youth. Poster presentation at the 65th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Denver, CO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019, October). Sexual minority and heterosexual foster youth: Sexual wellbeing and identity development differences. Oral presentation at the 65th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Denver, CO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019, March). The impact of sexual identity development on the sexual health of former foster youth. Poster presentation at the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine 2019 Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2018, November). Community involvement and intersectionality: Improving wellbeing for LGBTQ+ People of Color. Poster presentation at the 64th Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Orlando, FL.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2018, November). Community Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders Inventory, Version 2 (CATSO-II): A pilot study. Poster accepted for presentation at the 60th Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.
• Kinney, M. K., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2017, May). Non-binary identities and gender expression: A PhotoVoice pilot study. Paper accepted for presentation at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Research Symposium: An Interdisciplinary Symposium on LGBTQ Research in the Social Sciences, Urbana–Champaign, IL.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kim, H.-W. (2017, January). Using social support levels to predict sexual identity development among sexual minority college students. Poster presentation at the 21st Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, New Orleans, LA.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Kinney, M. K., Pierce, B., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2017, January). Former foster youth’s perceptions of their acquisition of sexual health information while in foster care. Poster presentation at the 21st Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, New Orleans, LA.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2016, November). Does it get better? Exploring “It Gets Better” videos using visual sociology. Poster presentation at the 62nd Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Atlanta, GA.
• Ramseyer Winter, V., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Kattari, S. K., & McKay, K. (2016, January). Negotiating and communicating sexuality: Multiple methodologies; Diverse inquiries (R. A. Brandon-Friedman, Discussant). Symposium conducted at the 20th Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, Washington, DC.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kim, H.-W. (2015, October). Development of a positive non-heterosexual identity: The role of social supports. Paper presentation at the 61st Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Denver, CO.
• Hutcherson, A., Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Dennis, S. R. (2015, October). Structure, deviance, and power: Enhancing social work with sociological theory. Facilitated discussion group at the 61st Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work and Education, Denver, CO.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kim, H.-W. (2014, October). The contribution of perceived social supports to homosexual identity formation during early adulthood. Paper presentation at the National Symposium on LGBTQ Research in Higher Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.

Peer-Reviewed Presentations — State

• *Heinz, M. J., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024, March). The legislative environment and its impact on LGBTQ+ mental health. Presentation at the 24th Annual Indiana University School of Social Work Alumni Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• †Swafford, T. R., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023, October). Practicing with intentionality: Working with gay men to integrate spiritual and sexual identities. Presentation at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023, October). Deconstructing heterosexism within clinical social work practice. Presentation at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2022, September). Addressing the impact of minority stress on LGBTQ+ clients. Training session at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis, IN.
• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Miller, C., Paulson, J., & Rudd, S. (2022, September). Overview of DSM-5-TR: What does it mean for social work practice? Facilitated discussion group at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021, September). Working with gender-diverse youth: Meeting family needs and confronting misinformation. Training session at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2020, September). Gender dysphoria: Distinguishing facts from misconceptions. Training session at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis, IN.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2018, October). Enhancing LGBTQ+ student experiences in higher education. Workshop at the Hoosiers Out Together Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• Kinney, M. K., & Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2017, March). Pronouns, PowerPoints, and policy: Affirmation of gender identity in higher education. Workshop at the Hoosiers Out Together Conference, West Lafayette, IN.
• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Gobek, T. S. (2015, September). Social work practice with LGBTQ-identified youth in out-of-home care. Three-hour workshop at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis, IN.
• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Gobek, T. S. (2015, September). Incorporating the needs of LGBTQ-identified youth into community and residential treatment. Workshop at the Annual Conference of the Indiana Association of Resources and Child Advocacy, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2015, March). Addressing sexuality in social work practice. Presentation at the 15th Annual Indiana University School of Social Work Alumni Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2014, September). Gay? Queer? Undefined? Incorporating queer theory into social work practice. Presentation at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Indianapolis, IN.

Invited Presentations

• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2025, September). Supporting LGBTQ+ students – Confidentiality, ethics, and advocacy. Oral presentation for the Supporting Vulnerable Populations in Schools: Ethical, Legal, and Practical Strategies for School-Based Professionals Symposium (Virtual).
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2025, February). Working with LGBTQ+ youth and their families in a tumultuous time. Oral presentation for the Indiana University Indianapolis Medical and Molecular Genetics CME Seminar Spring 2025, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024, June). Understanding gender diversity and how social interactions impact gender-diverse individuals. Oral presentation at Indiana University Weekend U, Bloomington, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024, March). Supporting gender-diverse youth: A research presentation & panel discussion. Oral presentation for Indiana University LGBTQ+ Alumni Association’s Celebration Weekend, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2024, February). An overview of the impact of gender-affirming care on the well-being of gender-diverse youth. Oral presentation for Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN.
• †*Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Swafford, T. R., Fortier, L., & Vosicky, E. (2023, February). Learning from the community: Leveraging community partnerships to develop a therapeutic curriculum. Oral presentation at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Weekend U, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021, October). Pediatric challenges related to gender and sexuality. Oral presentation for the Integrated Pain Management ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), Virtual Statewide, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021, March). Parent informational needs for supporting gender-diverse children and youth. Oral presentation at the LGBTQ Healthcare Conference 2021, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019, March). Sexual health development of sexual and gender minority youth in foster care. Oral presentation at the LGBTQ Healthcare Conference 2019, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2016, May). Development of sexual health among sexual minority youth in foster care. Oral presentation at the 2016 Leadership Education in Adolescent Health Annual Meeting, Washington, DC.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Kinney, M. K., Pierce, B., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2016, May). Former foster youth’s perceptions of their acquisition of sexual health information while in foster care. Poster presentation at the 6th Annual Riley Maternal and Child Health Partners in Leadership Education Excellence Poster Session, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Pierce, B. (2016, May). Development of trust within an interagency partnership. Poster presentation at the 20th Annual Ph.D. Symposium of the Indiana University School of Social Work, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2015, May). The impact of perceived social supports on non-heterosexual identity development during early adulthood. Poster presentation at the 19th Annual Ph.D. Symposium of the Indiana University School of Social Work, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Dennis, S. (2014, April). The impact of social supports on gay, lesbian and bisexual identity formation. Poster presentation at the 18th Annual Ph.D. Symposium of the Indiana University School of Social Work, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2014, February). The social work case for same-sex marriage (R. A. Brandon-Friedman, Moderator). Discussion sponsored by the Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and Advocates for Sexual Equality, Indianapolis, IN.

Invited Training Sessions

• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Hug, K. (2020, February). Working with LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan. Five-hour training session at the 3rd Annual NASW–Indiana Conference on Serving Sexual and Gender Minority Clients, Indianapolis, IN.
• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Waletich, R. (2020, February). Combating myths and advancing truths: Persistence, “desistence,” and “rapid onset gender dysphoria.” Training session at the 3rd Annual NASW–Indiana Conference on Serving Sexual and Gender Minority Clients, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2019, August). LGBTQ+ Self-advocacy. Wellness Wednesdays: Educational Seminars, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
• †Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2019, February). Working with LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan. Five-hour training session at the 2nd Annual NASW–Indiana Conference on Serving Sexual and Gender Minority Clients, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2018, September). Social work practice with youth that identify as sexual and/or gender minorities in out-of-home care. Training session at the Annual Conference of the Indiana Association of Resources and Child Advocacy, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2018, February). Working with LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan. Five-hour training session at the 1st Annual NASW–Indiana Conference on Serving Sexual and Gender Minority Clients, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Snedecor, R. (2018, February). Addressing the sexual health needs of sexual and gender minority youth. Training session at the 1st Annual NASW–Indiana Conference on Serving Sexual and Gender Minority Clients, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2017, September). Working with LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan. Five-hour training session at the National Association of Social Workers Indiana Chapter Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2016, September). Working with LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan. Five-hour training session at the National Association of Social Workers Indiana Chapter Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Waletich, R. (2016, September). Working with high-risk transgender populations: Minorities and youth. Training session at the National Association of Social Workers Indiana Chapter Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A., & Kinney, M. K. (2016, August). Working with LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan. Six-hour training session sponsored by the Indiana State Department of Social Work, Terre Haute, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2014, June). Social work practice with non-heterosexual individuals in the current cultural context. Presentation at the National Association of Social Workers Indiana Chapter Region 7 Lunch & Learn, Indianapolis, IN.

Public Testimony and Statements

• *Brandon-Friedman, R. A., Lugar, K., National Association of Social Workers - Indiana Chapter. (2023, April 13). Statement on passage of SEA 480 – Gender Transition Procedures for Minors.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023, March 22). Testimony against IN HB 1608: Education matters [bill requiring school employees to report to parents if a youth discusses being gender-diverse with the employee]. Testimony before the Indiana Senate Education and Career Development Committee on behalf of NASW–Indiana Chapter’s Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023, March 21). Testimony against IN SB 480 [bill banning gender-affirming care for gender-diverse youth under age 18]. Testimony before the Indiana House of Representatives Public Health Committee on behalf of NASW–Indiana Chapter’s Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2023, February 23). Testimony against IN SB 480 [bill banning gender-affirming care for gender-diverse youth under age 18]. Testimony before the Indiana Senate Health and Provider Services Committee on behalf of NASW–Indiana Chapter’s Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021, July 31). Statement about the importance of LGBTQ+ content in public education. Invited speaking engagement at the Celebration for Equity in Education. Carmel Against Racial Injustice, Carmel, IN.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2021, March 9). Testimony against the removal of books related to sexual orientation and gender identity from schools. Invited expert testimony against policy proposal within the Westfield Washington School District.

Media

• Stewart, E. (2025, December 12). Holidays can be hard for LGBTQ youth in Indiana [Interview]. WFIU.
• Rabbit, A. (2025, April 28). Indiana halted gender change requests last month. How’s that impacting trans Hoosiers? [Interview]. Indiana Daily Student.
• Rabbitt, A. (2024, December 18). How the Supreme Court’s decision on gender-affirming care could impact young Hoosiers [Interview]. Indiana Daily Student.
• Avery, C., & Ryan, H. (2024, January 28). An Indiana House bill would replace “gender” with “biological sex” and alter other terms [Interview]. Indiana Daily Student.
• Walters, D. (2023, May 4). Transgender rights: America’s divide [Interview]. Scripps News Live.
• Comber-Wilen, V. (2023, April 7). Indiana ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill amended, no longer requires parental consent for name changes, pronouns [Interview]. WFYI Indianapolis.
• Johnson, M. (2023, April 5). IU, IUPUI professor discusses impacts of ban on gender-affirming care for minors [Interview]. ABC 57.
• East, A. (2023, April 2). Experimental or life saving: CRH officials say a transgender health care ban could negatively impact local youth [Interview]. The Republic.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2023, March 31). NASW opposes anti-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation [News release interview].
• Longnecker, E. (2023, March 21). Bill that would ban hormone therapy for transgender kids passes House committee (Testimony). WTHR.
• Dwyer, K. (2023, Feb 9). Indiana lawmakers move bill banning state-provided gender-affirming surgery in prison [Interview]. Indianapolis Star.
• Downard, W. (2022, Nov 2). Could Indiana pursue a ban on gender-affirming care for minors? [Interview]. Indiana Capital Chronicle.
• Brandon-Friedman, R. A. (2022). Minority stress and LGBTQ+ clients’ mental health. LGBTQ+ healthcare national certification training module. OutCare Health. (public access not available).
• Downard, W. (2022, May 16). Acceptance, mental health difficult for trans Hoosiers [Interview]. Tribune-Star.
• Downard, W. (2022, May 8). Acceptance, mental health difficult for trans Hoosiers [Interview]. News and Tribune.
• Downard, W. (2022, May 6). Acceptance, mental health difficult for trans Hoosiers [Interview]. The Herald Bulletin.
• Slaby, M. J. (2021, September 24). Facing criticism and outcry, parents start local chapters of LGBTQ-serving organizations [Interview]. IndyStar.
• Slaby, M. J. (2021, August 11). How criticism of books addressing gender identity impacts Hamilton County LGBTQ students [Interview]. IndyStar.
• Slaby, M. J. (2021, March 10). Westfield parents debate elementary school access to books on gender identity [Interview]. IndyStar.
• Council on Social Work Education. (2021, June). Sexual identity development and sexual well-being of LGBTQ+ youth [Interview Video]. YouTube.

• Indiana University School of Social Work
  MSW Field Instructor, Fall 2020 – Spring 2021
• Indiana University School of Social Work
  MSW Task Instructor, Fall 2014 – Fall 2018
• Indiana University School of Social Work
  MSW Task Instructor, Fall 2011 – Spring 2012
• Liberty University
  Counseling Field Instructor, Fall 2012 – Spring 2013
• University of Saint Francis
  BSW Field Instructor, Fall 2011 – Spring 2013

• Chair
  NASW-Indiana Conference on Serving Sexual and Gender Minority Clients, 2018 – 2022

• Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)
  2015 – Present
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  2014 – Present
• Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM)
  2014 – Present
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
  2014 – Present
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
  2010 – Present
• Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS)
  2017 – 2018; 2022 – 2023
• Indiana Association of School Social Workers (INSSW)
  2011 – 2013

• WPATH Foundations
  World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
• WPATH Advanced Clinical in Mental Health
  World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
• Sexuality Educator for Youth in Foster Care
  Power Through Choices / Institute for Child Advocacy
• Phenomenological Research
  Institute for Heideggerian Hermeneutics
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
  Medical University of South Carolina
• Theraplay Level I Clinician
  Theraplay Institute

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  Indiana, License #34006932A
• Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor
  Indiana, License #87000926A