Daniela Tomescu, PhD

Dr. Daniela Tomescu is a leading expert in LGBT+ and Queer sexual health, with over 12 years of experience in research, education, and advocacy. She specializes in promoting inclusive sexual education, combating stigma, and supporting mental and sexual wellbeing in LGBT+ communities globally. Daniela combines academic rigor with hands-on experience, designing programs that translate research into actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and community organizations.

Specialization

LGBT+ and Queer Sexual Health
Adolescent and Young Adult Sexuality
Inclusive Sex Education Curriculum
Mental Health and Sexual Identity Support
Community-Based Sexual Health Interventions

Education

2006–2010: BSc in Psychology, University of Bucharest
2010–2012: MSc in Human Sexuality and Gender Studies, Central European University
2012–2016: PhD in LGBT+ Sexual Health Education, University of Amsterdam

Professional Experience

2012–2015: Research Fellow, Center for LGBT+ Studies, University of Amsterdam
2015–2019: Senior Lecturer in Queer Sexual Health, University of Bucharest
2019–Present: Director of LGBT+ Health Programs, Rainbow Advocacy Network
Consultant for EU-funded projects on inclusive sex education

Research Cases and Key Results

Case Study: "Implementing Inclusive Sex Education in Romanian High Schools"
Result: Increased awareness of LGBT+ issues among 3,000 students, reduced reported instances of bullying by 28% over two years.
Quote: "Providing visibility and accurate information is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding among peers." — Daniela Tomescu, 2018.
Project: "Mental Health Support for Queer Youth in Central Europe"
Result: Developed peer-support framework adopted by 15 NGOs, improving self-reported mental wellbeing scores by 35% within six months.
Quote: "Community-led approaches empower young people to reclaim agency over their sexual and emotional wellbeing." — D. Tomescu, 2020.
Case Study: "Digital Tools for LGBT+ Sexual Education"
Result: Created an online platform reaching 12,000 users in six months, enhancing knowledge of sexual consent, gender identity, and healthy relationships.
Quote: "Digital accessibility allows us to bridge gaps where traditional education fails." — D. Tomescu, 2021.

Selected Scientific Publications

Tomescu, D. (2022). "Inclusive Queer Sex Education: Challenges and Best Practices." International Journal of LGBT+ Health, 9(3), 112–134.
Tomescu, D., & Novak, L. (2020). "Mental Health Interventions for LGBT+ Adolescents." Journal of Sexuality Research, 18(2), 78–99.
Tomescu, D. (2018). "Combating Stigma Through Comprehensive Sexual Education." European Journal of Sexual Education, 5(1), 45–66.

Professional Memberships

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA)
European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM)
Association for LGBT+ Studies in Education

Participation in International Projects

Lead Consultant, EU "Queer Youth Education Network" (2019–2022)
Advisor, UNESCO Global LGBT+ Sexual Health Initiative (2020–Present)
Project Director, Digital Health Campaign for LGBT+ Adolescents (2021–Present)

Work on Educational Programs

Designed inclusive curriculum for secondary and higher education in Central and Eastern Europe
Developed training workshops for educators on addressing queer sexual health topics
Created digital toolkits for schools to implement LGBT+ supportive policies

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Guest on BBC World Service: "LGBT+ Education Across Europe"
TEDx Talk: "Visibility and Education: Empowering Queer Youth" (2021)
Regular contributor to "Queer Health Today" podcast

Unique Values and Experience

Daniela Tomescu combines research excellence with community activism. Her unique approach integrates data-driven interventions with lived experiences of LGBT+ youth, ensuring that programs are both scientifically valid and socially meaningful. She is committed to fostering inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and creating safe spaces for queer sexual health education.