Malik O. Bahati, PhD

Malik O. Bahati is a leading researcher and educator specializing in bisexual and LGBT+ studies, with over 12 years of experience bridging social science research, public policy, and community advocacy. He focuses on the experiences of bisexual individuals within broader LGBT communities, aiming to improve mental health support, visibility, and inclusive sexual education worldwide.

Specialization

Bisexuality and LGBT+ Studies
Sexual Health and Wellbeing
Mental Health in LGBT Communities
Inclusive Education and Policy Development
Community-Based Participatory Research

Education

2005–2009: BA in Sociology, University of Nairobi
2009–2011: MSc in Gender and Sexuality Studies, University of Amsterdam
2011–2015: PhD in LGBT+ Health and Social Policy, University of Toronto

Professional Experience

2015–2018: Research Fellow, International LGBT+ Health Institute, Canada
2018–2022: Senior Lecturer in Sexual Diversity, University of Cape Town
2022–Present: Director, Bisexual Visibility & Health Programs, Global LGBT+ Advocacy Network
Consultant for UNDP and WHO on bisexual inclusion policies and community health interventions

Selected Publications & Research

Bahati, M.O., & Li, K. (2021). "Mental Health Outcomes in Bisexual Communities: Evidence from 12 Countries." Journal of LGBT Health Research, 14(3), 112–130.
Bahati, M.O. (2019). "Bisexual Visibility and Policy Gaps: A Global Perspective." International Journal of Sexuality and Society, 11(2), 56–78.
Bahati, M.O., & Sato, H. (2017). "Community-Based Participatory Research in LGBT+ Health." Social Science & Medicine, 178, 89–101.

Research Case Studies

Project: Bisexual Mental Health Survey (2020–2021)
Conducted a multi-country survey with 3,200 participants across North America, Europe, and Africa. Findings revealed that bisexual individuals report 25% higher levels of minority stress compared to gay and lesbian counterparts. Policy recommendations from this study were adopted by two national LGBT health organizations.
Project: Inclusive Sex Education Curriculum Development (2018–2020)
Designed and piloted a bisexual-inclusive sexual education program in 15 secondary schools in South Africa. The program increased students' understanding of sexual diversity by 40%, measured through pre- and post-program surveys.
Project: Bisexual Visibility Media Campaign (2017)
Developed media content and workshops to raise awareness about bisexuality in urban communities. The campaign reached over 50,000 individuals and led to the creation of a permanent peer-support network.

Professional Memberships

International LGBT Health Association
Bisexual Resource Center Advisory Board
Global Network for Sexual Diversity Education

Participation in International Projects

Advisor, UNDP “Inclusive Sexual Health Policies for Bisexual Communities” (2021–2023)
Consultant, WHO Global LGBT Mental Health Initiative (2019–2022)
Project Lead, UNESCO “Digital Tools for LGBT+ Education” (2020–Present)

Work on Educational Programs

Designed bisexual-inclusive modules for university courses on sexual diversity
Developed teacher-training workshops to improve LGBT+ inclusivity in classrooms
Created online educational content for youth on sexual orientation and mental wellbeing

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Guest speaker on NPR: “Challenges Facing Bisexual Communities”
TEDx Talk: “Making Bisexuality Visible in Public Health and Education” (2022)
Regular contributor to the podcast “LGBT Voices: Research & Advocacy”

Unique Values and Experience

Malik Bahati combines rigorous academic research with real-world community engagement. His work emphasizes data-driven interventions, bisexual visibility, and the creation of inclusive educational spaces. He is known for translating complex research into actionable policies and programs that directly improve health and wellbeing for bisexual individuals worldwide.