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IUPUI

Richard Brandon-Friedman

IU School of Social Work

Expert Bio

Richard A. Brandon-Friedman is an assistant professor in the IU School of Social Work at IUPUI and an assistant professor of pediatrics in the IU School of Medicine. He also works as a clinical social worker within the Gender Health Clinic at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. His current research is exploring the needs of family members of gender-diverse youth, the presenting needs of youth seeking services at gender health clinics, and the impact of gender-affirming care on aspects of youths’ and families’ well-being.

His academic foci include addressing the psychosocial and familial needs of gender-diverse youth, sexual and gender identity development among youth, youth sexual well-being, LGBTQ+ identity development, youth sexual behaviors, sexuality discourse within social work, and addressing sexuality within the child welfare system. As a clinician, Brandon-Friedman has worked with youth in schools and in child welfare for over 15 years and has worked with youths who identify as sexual minorities for over 20 years.

He currently serves as chair of the Indiana chapter of the National Association of Social Workers’ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee and as a councilor for the Council on Social Work Education’s Council on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression. He is one of only a few World Professional Association for Transgender Health-certified clinicians in Indiana.

Areas of Expertise

Gender-affirming care for transgender/gender-diverse youth, sexual and gender identity development among youth, youth sexual well-being, LGBTQ+ identity development, youth sexual behaviors, sexuality discourse within social work, addressing sexuality within the child welfare system.