Research Lab

In response to today’s challenging environment for LGBTQ+ young people, the Wanda Alston Foundation will launch a research lab in 2026 to identify and analyze the pressing issues facing DC’s LGBTQ+ youth. This lab will collect survey data from lived experiences through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other means to inform the community, shape public policy, and guide the organization’s future programming.

The last major research on the District’s LGBTQ+ population was conducted in 2013 by the Department of Health. We are building on that research and several others to inform our first major initiative: The State of DC’s LGBTQ+ Youth Annual Report.