James Hill
PhD Candidate
BA (Hons)
james.hill@thekids.org.au
he/him
James is a queer Ngarrindjeri man with an interest in improving the mental health of LGBTQAI+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Currently, he is a PhD student under the supervision of Associate Professor Ashleigh Lin and Dr Yael Perry in the Youth Mental Health Team, and Associate Professor Jeneva Ohan at the University of Western Australia.
James’ PhD is exploring how trans and gender diverse young people experience stigma, which describes the variety of negative attitudes and actions directed at trans and gender diverse people. Through his research he aims to identify the risk stigma poses to mental health and day-to-day life in trans and gender diverse young people.
James views lived experience as a valuable source of knowledge for research, and has a strong interest in using his work to elevate the voices of LGBTQAI+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people into the scientific community.
Published research
Meaningful and minimally distressing: Trans adolescents’ perspectives on sensitive research interviews
Qualitative research on sensitive topics (e.g. abuse, mental health difficulties, discrimination) is needed to understand lived experiences of complex issues. However, this type of research raises concerns about potential adverse effects on participants, especially with younger participants and those from marginalized populations. In this study, we conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of 20 trans adolescents’ (14–18 years of age) experiences of participating in research about their stigma experiences.
“An expected part of being trans”: The experienced and anticipated stigma of trans adolescents
Trans adolescents experience and anticipate stigma to the detriment of their mental health; however, trans adolescents have rarely been consulted about their stigma experiences. This study aimed to understand trans adolescents’ lived experiences of experienced and anticipated stigma.
Conceptualising Wellbeing for Australian Aboriginal LGBTQA+ Young People
It is likely that young people who are both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQA+ would be at increased risk for poor mental health outcomes due to the layered impacts of discrimination they experience; however, there is very little empirical evidence focused on the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ young people. The current study represents a qualitative exploration of wellbeing among Aboriginal LGBTQA+ young people.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) in Psychology – The University of Western Australia