Meg S. Paceley

Meg S. Paceley
  • Associate Professor
  • Director, Toni Johnson Scholars for Racial & Social Justice Program
They/Them

Contact Info

785-864-2284
Twente Hall, Room 313
Lawrence

Education —

Ph.D., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
MSW in Advocacy, Leadership, & Social Change, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Social Work
B.A. in Psychology, University of Illinois at Springfield

Research —

Exploring the relationship between queer and trans youth’s social environments (communities, schools, families) and their health and well-being; community-based, qualitative, and mixed methods research; transforming stigmatizing environments that diminish well-being into affirming and supportive environments that promote healthy development and well-being for all queer and trans youth

 

Teaching —

Social justice, anti-racism & equity; gender and sexuality; social work with queer and trans populations; research methods; community and macro practice; children & adolescents; program evaluation

Selected Publications —

Paceley, M. S. (2020). Youth-based gender, sexuality, and race equity work in schools [Book Chapters]. In C. Mayo (Ed.), Oxford Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality in Education. Oxford.

Craig, S. L., Iacano, G., Paceley, M. S., Dentato, M. P., & Boyle, K. (2017). Intersecting sexual, gender and professional identities among social work students: The importance of identity integration [Journal Articles]. Journal of Social Work Education, 53(3), 466–479.

Paceley, M. S., Hwa, A., & Arizpe, H. (2017). Nonmetropolitan sexual and gender minority youth’s friendships with GSM and non-GSM peers: Perceptions of social support [Journal Articles]. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 29(4), 399–414.

Paceley, M. S., Keene, L. C., & Lough, B. J. (2016). Barriers to involvement in nonmetropolitan GLBTQ organizations [Journal Articles]. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 28(2), 117–139.

Paceley, M. S. (2016). Gender and sexual minority youth in nonmetropolitan communities: Individual and community-level needs for support [Journal Articles]. Families in Society, 97(2), 77–85.

Woodford, M., Paceley, M. S., Kulick, A., & Hong, J. (2015). The LGBQ Macro Environment Matters: Policies, Protests, and Placards and Psychological Wellbeing among LGBQ Youth [Journal Articles]. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 27(1), 116–141.

Paceley, M. S., Keene, L. C., & Lough, B. J. (2015). Motivations for involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations: A multi-method qualitative exploration [Journal Articles]. Journal of Community Practice, 23(1), 102–125.

Paceley, M. S., Oswald, R. F., & Hardesty, J. (2014). Factors associated with involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ community centers: Proximity? Generativity? Minority stress? Social location? [Journal Articles]. Journal of Homosexuality, 61(10), 481–500.

Paceley, M. S. (2013). Engendering a gender discourse: A critical review of Gender, Bullying, and Harassment [Journal Articles]. Journal of LGBT Youth, 10(4), 373–377.

Paceley, M. S., & Flynn, K. (2012). Media representations of bullying toward queer youth: Gender, race, and age discrepancies [Journal Articles]. Journal of LGBT Youth, 9(4), 340–356.

Kopels, S., & Paceley, M. S. (2012). Reducing bullying toward LGBTQ students in schools [Journal Articles]. Journal of School Social Work, 37(1), 96–111.

 

Selected Presentations —

Paceley, M. S., Fish, J. N., Conrad, A., & Schuetz, N. (5/31/2018). Diverse community contexts and support for SGM youth: A mixed methods study. LGBTQ Research Symposium. Champaign, IL
Paceley, M. S., Thomas, M. M., & Goffnett, J. (1/31/2018). What makes a community supportive? SGM youth's perceptions of community strengths. Society for Social Work and Research. Washington DC
Gandy-Guedes, M., & Paceley, M. S. (10/31/2017). What’s our rallying cry? Activism in LGBTQIA emerging-adults after the marriage-equality era. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Dallas, TX
Paceley, M. S., Fish, J. N., & Schuetz, N. (5/31/2017). Coping strategies, substance use, and mental health among sexual and gender minority youth. LGBTQ Research Symposium. Champaign, IL
Paceley, M. S., Goffnett, J., & Gandy-Guedes, M. (11/30/2016). Community Climate as a Moderator Between Victimization and Depression Among SGM Youth. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Atlanta, GA
Paceley, M. S. (4/30/2016). Uncovering Hidden Queer Youth's stories. Archives Interrupted: Gender and the Future of Constructing the Past. Lawrence, KS
Reilly, A., Oswald, R. F., Routon, J., McGuire, J., Grafsky, E., Zvonkovic, A., ...Curran, M. (3/31/2016). Development of a theoretical model to study LGBT people living in rural areas in the United States of America. Rural Development Conference. Bangkok, Thailand
Paceley, M. S., & Thomas, M. M. (1/31/2016). Barriers and Facilitators to Utilization of LGBT Community Organizations Among Nonmetropolitan LGBT Youth. Society for Social Work and Research. Washington, DC
Paceley, M. S. (11/30/2015). “If rainbows were everywhere”: How nonmetropolitan LGBT youth perceive supportive community climates. National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference. Vancouver, BC
Holman, E. G., & Paceley, M. S. (10/31/2015). LGBTQ experiences in a changing context: Research challenges during times of flux. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Denver, CO
Paceley, M. S., & Okrey-Anderson, S. (9/30/2015). Nonmetropolitan trans and gender questioning youth's perceptions of their communities: The role of community size and community climate. Trans Kansas Conference. Manhattan, KS
Paceley, M. S. (5/31/2015). Last Lecture: Evolution of a Queer/Scholar. UIUC LGBT Resource Center. Champaign, IL
Paceley, M. S., Hwu, A., & Arizpe, H. (5/31/2015). Using mixed methods to engage with social change and the changing social context for LGBT populations. LGBT Research Symposium. Champaign, IL
Paceley, M. S., & Hwu, A. (1/31/2015). "Having Rainbows Everywhere": Exploring Perceived and Objective Community Climate and LGBTQ Community Resources Among Nonmetropolitan LGBTQ Youth. Society for Social Work Research Annual Conference. New Orleans, LA
Paceley, M. S., & Hwu, A. (1/31/2015). "We're like a Family": How Nonmetropolitan LGBT Youth Perceive the Quality of Their Friendships with LGBT and Non-LGBT Peers. Society for Social Work Research Annual Conference. New Orleans, LA
Paceley, M. S., Craig, S. C., Wagaman, M. A., & Gandy, M. E. (10/31/2014). Integrating a Community-Based LGBTQ Youth Research Agenda in Social Work. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Tampa, FL
Paceley, M. S., & Hwu, A. (10/31/2014). The Role of Community-Based Organizations among Nonmetropolitan Gender and Sexual Minority Youth. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Tampa, FL
Woodford, M., Fredriksen, K., Paceley, M. S., & Holman, E. G. (10/31/2014). The Social Environment Matters for LGBTQ People across the Lifespan. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Tampa, FL
Thomas, M., & Paceley, M. S. (5/31/2014). Arts and Social Justice Advocacy as Social Work Practice with Gender and Sexual Minority Youth: Process Evaluation of a Youth Theater Program. 10th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Champaign, IL
Arizpe, H., Hwu, A., & Paceley, M. S. (5/31/2014). Community Climate and Positive Youth Development in Nonmetropolitan Gender and Sexual Minority Youth. 2nd Annual LGBT Research Symposium. Champaign, IL
Arizpe, H., Paceley, M. S., & Hwu, A. (5/31/2014). Community Climate for Gender and Sexual Minority Youth: A Mixed Method Analysis of Objective, Perceived, and Qualitative Climate Measures. 10th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Champaign, IL
Paceley, M. S., Arizpe, H., & Hwu, A. (5/31/2014). Ensuring Cultural Applicability of A Model of Positive Youth Development for Use with Nonmetropolitan Gender and Sexual Minority Youth: Understanding Ecological Assets. 10th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Champaign, IL
Hwu, A., Paceley, M. S., & Arizpe, H. (5/31/2014). Gender and Sexual Minority Youth's Perceptions of Social Support and Utilization of Community-based Resources: A Mixed Methods Analysis with Social Work Implications. 10th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Champaign, IL
Keene, L. C., Paceley, M. S., & Lough, B. J. (1/31/2014). "I can be a whole me": Religious LGBTQ individuals' intersecting identities in community organizations. Society for Social Work Research Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX
Paceley, M. S., & Holman, E. G. (11/30/2013). Organizing an interdisciplinary forum on LGBT research in the social sciences. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Dallas, TX
Arizpe, H., Paceley, M. S., & Carter-Black, J. (11/30/2013). Unheard intersections: Nonmetropolitan Latina sexual minority youth. National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference. San Antonio, TX
Arizpe, H., Paceley, M. S., & Carter-Black, J. (5/31/2013). Growing up as a sexual minority adolescent girl: Parent-child attachment and related developmental concerns. Ninth International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Champaign, IL
Keene, L. C., & Paceley, M. S. (5/31/2013). Intersections of religion and LGBTQ identities in the context of involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations. Ninth International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Champaign, IL
Keene, L. C., & Paceley, M. S. (5/31/2013). The methodological challenges and opportunities for researching religious identity among LGBTQ populations. LGBT Research Symposium. Champaign, IL
Paceley, M. S., Oswald, R. F., & Hardesty, J. (11/30/2012). Predicting involvement in nonmetropolitan LGBTQ organizations. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Washington, DC
Paceley, M. S., & Keene, L. (11/30/2012). Understanding motivations and barriers to involvement in LGBTQ organizations: An ethnographic examination. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. Washington, DC
Paceley, M. S. (5/31/2012). Am I in or am I out? Queer intersecting identities in research with queer youth. Eight International Congress for Qualitative Inquiry. Champaign, IL
Paceley, M. S., & Terry, M. S. (5/31/2012). Intersectionality as a framework for mixing theories in mixed methods research with vulnerable populations. Eighth International Congress for Qualitative Inquiry. Champaign, IL
Paceley, M. S., Oswald, R. F., & Hardesty, J. (1/31/2012). Come on in: Increasing community center involvement in not-so-urban communities. Creating Change: The National Conference on LGBT Equality. Baltimore, MD
Bowersox-Johnson, K., & Paceley, M. S. (1/31/2012). Movin' on UP: Keeping a community center going in a small town on a small budget. Creating Change: The National Conference on LGBT Equality. Baltimore, MD
Paceley, M. S. (5/31/2011). Bullying, harassment, and discrimination toward LGBTQ youth. Benefit Luncheon for the Trevor Project. Urbana, IL
Bowersox-Johnson, K., & Paceley, M. S. (2/28/2011). Up, up, and away: Creating an LGBTQ community center in a mid-sized community. Presentation, Creating Change: The National Conference on LGBT Equality. Minneapolis, MN

Awards & Honors —

Groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ Research Pride Award, University of Kansas, Lavender Graduation, 2021

Emerging Scholar Award, Association for Community Organization and Social Administration, 2018                                                                                              

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Scholarship Paper Award, Council On Social Work Education, 2016

Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award, Society for Social Work & Research, 2016

LGBT Research Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign LGBT Resource Center, 2015

Graduate Student Leadership Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2015

Campus Award for Excellence in Public Engagement, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2014                                                                                                      

October LGBT Ally of the Month, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2012

Catalyst Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign LGBT Resource Center, 2012

 

Grants & Other Funded Activity —

Service Learning Mini-Grant: SW 555. KU Center for Service Learning. $500.00. Submitted 1/1/2017 (1/1/2017 - 12/31/2018). University (KU or KUMC). Status: Funded
Service Learning Mini-Grant: SW 555. KU Center for Civic and Social Responsibility. $500.00. Submitted 1/1/2016 (8/1/2016 - 12/31/2016). University (KU or KUMC). Status: Funded
Marginalization, Well-being, and Social/Community Support among Nonmetropolitan Gender and Sexual Minority Youth: A Positive Youth Development Study. The Williams Institute. $4773.00. Submitted 1/1/2013 (1/1/2013 - 12/31/2014). The initial findings from this study pertain to the ways in which rural communities impact the provision of social and community support among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth and how rural SGM youth get their needs for support met. Findings illustrated complexities around the role of the community in increasing or reducing risk. Survey and climate analyses revealed that community climate and community size were significantly associated with the availability of SGM community-based resources, such that more supportive climates and larger communities had more resources. Community climate and size were not associated with utilization or unmet needs for SGM resources. Climate was also related to perceived social support among SGM adults and non-SGM peers; however, community size was not. Qualitative and mixed method analyses led to the development of an emergent model of support seeking among SGM youth in rural communities. This model illustrates the importance of the community context for SGM youth. The community interacted with SGM youth’s needs for and potential sources of support, barriers and facilitators to support, benefits and drawbacks of support, and unmet needs. These findings suggest the need for a revised model of Positive Youth Development that represents the experiences of SGM youth in small communities. Additional data analysis on the association between community size, community climate, and access to SGM-supportive resources and the health and well-being of rural SGM youth is ongoing during 2015-2016.. Other University. Status: Funded. This study aimed to better understand the relationship between social support, community climate, and LGBTQ community organizations on the health and well-being of rural sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. As the Principal Investigator, I coordinated and conducted mixed methods research (online surveys, in-person interviews, participant observations, and public data review); analyzed data using statistical, grounded theory, and mixed method analytic techniques; created and supervised a research team consisting of BSW and MSW student research assistants; and prepared manuscripts for publication. One component of this study was my dissertation and included SGM youth's needs for and access to supportive resources in their rural and small towns. Data on the health and well-being of rural SGM youth in the study are being analyzed during 2015-2016.
LGBT Research: Methodological Challenges and Opportunities. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate College. $15000.00. Submitted 1/1/2012 (1/1/2012 - 12/31/2013). The project brought together scholars and practitioners from across the United States and Canada. Monthly reading groups allowed for local participation from graduate students and faculty studying SGM issues to discuss the complexities of their research, discover new methods for researching hard-to-reach populations, and network with other scholars. Panel discussions included experts on research ethics, sampling and recruitment, research-to-practice, mixed methods analysis, and disseminating SGM research. The year-end symposium brought together an international group of scholars engaged in SGM research in a variety of capacities. Nearly 100 people attended the inaugural symposium. It has since become an annual event; 2016 will be its fourth year.. Other University. Status: Funded. This grant funded a research seminar to address the complexities of conducting research on sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations within the social sciences, education, and humanities. The project aimed to strengthen the interdisciplinary connections between students, staff, faculty, and social service providers to create a local, national, and global community of scholars focused predominantly on SGM research methods. The project included monthly reading and discussion groups, bi-monthly panel discussions, and concluded with a year-end symposium on SGM research. As co-principal investigator, I co-coordinated each of these activities.