People
Jenifer McGuire
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Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Professor and Extension Specialist
Transgender youth and families: I study the well-being of young people who identify as transgender with a specific focus on ways that family environments can best support healthy development.

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I am accepting new graduate advisees for fall 2026 in the PhD and MA/PhD programs.
I am accepting undergraduate research advisees for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Please fill out this application form to get started.
- 612-301-9848
- jmcguire@umn.edu
Recent News
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Understanding issues around LGBTQ+ youth, KHQ, Spokane, Washington
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Understanding the intersex community, KHQ, Spokane
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As neighboring states ban gender-affirming care, Minnesota's poised to be a refuge for trans youth, Rochester Post Bulletin
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Gender affirmation is linked to improved mental health. There's no evidence that it drives youth suicide, PolitiFact from Poynter
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Beyond school bathrooms: What's really at stake in the gender-inclusion debate, Minnpost
What Students Can Expect from Me
I offer graduate students opportunities for research in gender identity and sexual orientation and links to well-being. There are multiple opportunities in my lab to work with both qualitative and quantitative data, as well as to have direct experiences with community outreach. I encourage students to develop their own research identity and support independent and collaborative writing for publication among my students.
How my Scholarship Contributes to Social Justice
My research and outreach inherently crosses a bridge to social justice. I embark on my research because of my strong commitment to equitable and fair access for all people. I translate this research to support the development of common understanding about equity in gender and sexual identity. I am committed to supporting children, families and communities provide safe and accessible environments for transgender and gender non-conforming persons.
Honors and Awards
2023 - College of Education and Human Development Excellence in Research Award
2022 - Extension Dean’s Distinguished Award
2010 - Hugo G. Beigel Award, The Journal of Sex Research primary author to: McGuire, J. K. & Barber, B. L. (2010). Late adolescent sexual styles: A person centered approach to the multifaceted nature of sexual behavior. The Journal of Sex Research, 47, 301-313.
2010 - Society for Research on Adolescence Social Policy Publication Award: Best Edited Book. Contributing author to: Russell, S. T., McGuire, J. K., & Laub, C. (2008). School climate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) students: Within- and between-school variability. In M. Shinn and H. Yoshikawa, (Eds.) Toward positive youth development: Transforming schools and community programs. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 133-149.
2009 - Leadership Fellows Award: Washington Campus Compact.