Lexy Lunger (she/her) is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in social work, a minor in sociology, and an LGBTQ studies certificate. She is president of the Student Social Work Association at UW-Milwaukee and is completing her social work field practicum at HIR Wellness Institute. Outside of UW-Milwaukee, Lexy is an LGBTQIA2S+, racial equity, and voting rights community advocate.
Since the summer of 2023, Lexy has been a research assistant in several LGBTQIA2S+ projects under the mentorship of Jane Hereth, PhD, MSW (hereth@uwm.edu). She is currently assisting on a project that conducts life course research on interpersonal victimization, mental health impacts, and protective factors among young transgender women. Transgender women disproportionately experience instances of violence and victimization. Due to systemic erasure and lack of funding, there is a deficit in current research findings about LGBTQIA2S+ populations; transgender women are some of the most overlooked. This study seeks to decrease that knowledge deficit. This study uses the life history calendar (LHC), a life course research framework useful in capturing and examining victimization trajectories and significant life events.
Lexy is delighted and grateful to continue to assist with research in her senior year as a SERA recipient. After graduating from UW-Milwaukee, Lexy plans to continue her education and get her master’s degree in social work to become a mental health provider and community advocate specializing in sexual trauma recovery and sexual health in BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ communities.