Rohit Venkataraman, PhD

Dr. Rohit Venkataraman is a leading researcher and educator specializing in LGBT-Queer studies and sexual health. With over 12 years of experience, he has advanced understanding of queer identity, mental health, and inclusive sexual education through innovative research projects and international collaborations. Rohit combines rigorous scholarship with actionable insights to promote visibility, equity, and well-being for LGBTQ+ communities globally.

Specialization

LGBTQ+ Health & Wellbeing
Queer Studies and Identity Development
Inclusive Sexual Education
Policy and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights
Mental Health and Resilience in Queer Communities

Education

2006–2010: B.A. in Sociology, University of Delhi
2010–2012: M.A. in Gender and Sexuality Studies, University of Toronto
2012–2017: PhD in Queer Studies and Sexual Health, University of California, Berkeley

Professional Experience

2017–2019: Research Fellow, LGBTQ+ Health Initiative, San Francisco
2019–2022: Senior Lecturer in Queer Studies, University of Toronto
2022–Present: Director of LGBTQ+ Research Programs, Global Queer Health Alliance
Consultant for policy development on queer-inclusive sexual education curricula in 15+ countries

Selected Publications & Quotes

Venkataraman, R. (2021). "Mental Health Outcomes Among LGBTQ+ Youth in Urban India." Journal of Queer Studies, 14(3), 210–235.
"Our study highlights that inclusive school policies significantly reduce anxiety and depression among queer adolescents."
Venkataraman, R., & Li, H. (2019). "Queer Visibility and Public Health Interventions." International Journal of Sexual Health, 31(2), 98–115.
"Visibility without support is insufficient; community-based initiatives are essential for sustainable health outcomes."
Venkataraman, R. (2018). "Designing Inclusive Sexual Education for Gender-Diverse Students." Sex Education Review, 10(4), 45–70.
"Tailored curricula addressing queer identities improved students' knowledge and self-acceptance scores by 42%."

Research Case Studies & Project Results

Case Study 1: Urban Queer Youth Mental Health Project (2019–2021) Outcome: Developed a community-based mental health toolkit used by 35 NGOs, reaching 12,000+ LGBTQ+ youth. Observed a 30% improvement in self-reported well-being.
Case Study 2: Global Queer Sexual Health Curriculum (2020–2022) Outcome: Implemented in 8 countries across South and Southeast Asia. Increased sexual health literacy scores among participants by 37%.
Case Study 3: Policy Impact Assessment for Queer Inclusive Education (2021–2023) Outcome: Influenced national educational policy reforms in 3 countries, introducing anti-discrimination policies for LGBTQ+ students.

Professional Memberships

International Association for LGBT Studies (IALGBT)
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
American Educational Research Association (AERA) – Queer Studies Special Interest Group

Participation in International Projects

Lead Researcher, UNDP LGBTQ+ Rights and Health Initiative (2018–2021)
Advisor, UNESCO Inclusive Sexuality Education Programs (2019–Present)
Project Director, WHO Global Queer Youth Health Study (2021–2023)

Work on Educational Programs

Created "Queer Safe Spaces" curriculum for high schools and universities
Developed online modules for LGBTQ+ health literacy reaching 50,000+ learners
Training workshops for educators and counselors on gender inclusivity and queer rights

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Keynote speaker at World LGBTQ+ Health Conference 2022
Guest on "Queer Voices" podcast discussing mental health interventions
Interviewed by The Guardian and BBC on LGBTQ+ inclusive education strategies

Unique Values and Experience

Rohit’s work emphasizes actionable research that directly impacts the lives of LGBTQ+ communities. He combines rigorous data collection, policy advisory, and educational programming to create evidence-based, inclusive solutions. His unique perspective as a queer scholar allows him to authentically advocate for marginalized voices, ensuring equity and visibility at every level of research and education.