The International Foundation for Gender Education

A request for participants in two research projects for the Transgender Community is being presented to those who qualify. The research projects concurrently being conducted are: 1) Family relationships and their impact on life satisfaction and self esteem issues for transsexuals of color. 2) Grief, Loss, and Discrimination issues related to Transgenders within or aged out of the Foster Care System. If you would volunteer to participate please email Stephen "Arch" Erich, Ph.D., LCSW Director Bachelor Social Work Program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake erich@uhcl.edu


1) Life Satisfaction and Self Esteem issues for transsexuals of color-we are looking for self identified transsexuals of color who are at least 18 years old. 2) Grief, Loss, and Discrimination issues related to Transgenders within or aged out of the Foster Care System. We are looking for self identified transgenders who are at least 15 years old. Those under the age of 18 will be required to have adult/guardian consent to participate.

A confidential survey packet will be mailed to those volunteering to participate in either or both research projects. The survey packet will contain a questionnaire, consent forms and a stamped, self addressed envelope for its return. If you choose to participate please email Arch with a mailing address via United States Postal System. His email address is erich@uhcl.edu. If you have any questions you can phone Arch at 281-283-3388 or you can email him. The principal researchers are Stephen "Arch" Erich, Ph.D., LCSW; and Josephine Tittsworth, LMSW.

Stephen Erich, PhD, LCSW, is associate professor at the University of Houston ? Clear Lake, where he directs the Baccalaureate of Social Work Program. His program of research is based primarily on adoption, LGBT family issues and transgender well-being.


Josephine Tittsworth, LMSW, has been a leader in the Houston transgender community for many years. She has held such positions as the Co-Chair for the Houston Transgender Unity Committee (HTUC, 5 years), Board of Directors for the Society for the Second Self, Inc, (TRIESS, 7 years), and currently the Research Chair on the Board of Directors for the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC). She is currently a student within the doctorial program at the University Of Houston Graduate College Of Social Work.