Gender in the Military: Bridging Research to Practice

Military Mother

October 9-11, 2013:

Gender issues have become increasingly visible in the military. There are growing numbers of military-involved women, policy changes to broaden their military career opportunities, and the removal of barriers to lesbian/gay/bisexual/queer persons serving openly in the military. Additionally, there has been increased attention to military sexual trauma and intimate partner violence among military service members. However, little interdisciplinary dialogue has focused on the role of gender and how gender-specific initiatives might inform policy. Social service and legal systems are beginning to explore what they can do.

Please join the Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence & Victimization and the Susan B. Anthony Center for Women's Leadership at the University of Rochester, the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP) Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Roberts Wesleyan College, and the University of Buffalo School of Law for a three-day discussion about gender issues that affect military-involved families, including: interpersonal violence and gender-based trauma, parenting and childcare during deployment, reproductive health, masculinity and military identity, gender identity and policies regarding transgender individuals, sexual orientation and same-sex relationships. Generations of veterans, as well as currently deployed service members and their families, have lived experiences that affect their mental and physical health. Consider how gender plays a role in these experiences and how we can improve services for these individuals and families.

Part 1: Two-Day Conference
October 9-10
RIT Conference Center
Rochester, NY

The two-day conference (October 9-10) is based on Community-Based Participatory Research principles and invites researchers and practitioners alike to share their expertise. The goal is to begin a dialogue on how to integrate science into policy and provide opportunities for networking to further enhance research and practice.

Presentations are sought that discuss innovative research on gender in the military, as well as services provided that target physical and mental health for military-involved families. A poster session on October 9th will provide the opportunity for dialogue across agencies to enhance integrated services.

Conference Fees:
$30- Wednesday (includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and 1-hour open bar during the reception)
$50 Thursday (includes a lunch buffet)

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill (Released)

Conference Itinerary:

Wednesday, October 9, 2013:

5:00-5:30 -- Welcome

5:30-6:30 -- John R. Blosnich, PhD, MPH, VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pittsburgh, PA

LGBT health research, clinical training, and education in the Department of Veteran Affairs

6:30-6:45 -- Readings of Veteran Works

6:45-8:30 -- Cocktail Reception & Poster Session

Thursday, October 10, 2013:

Time	Morning Session
8:00-9:00	Registration & Breakfast
9:00-9:15	Welcome
9:15-10:15	Aaron Belkin, PhD, Department of Political Science at San Francisco State University *How We Won: Moving Research into Practice Regarding Sexuality, Gender and Gender Identity in the Military*
10:15-11:15	Jillian C. Shipherd, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist/ National Center for PTSD- Women’s Health Sciences Division (WHSD) & LGBT Program Coordinator for Patient Care Services VA Central Office, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine *Sexual & Gender Minority Veterans*
11:15-12:15	Melissa Dichter, PhD, Health Science Specialist/ Associate Director of Research and Model Development, VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans and Ann Elizabeth Montgomery, PhD from the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans *Gender Differences in Homelessness Risk among Veterans*
12:15-1:30	LUNCH BREAK (Buffet lunch provided)
Time	Afternoon Breakout Sessions
	Salon D/E	Salon B	Salon C
1:30-2:30	Military Involved Families Alisa Hathaway, LCSW-R, EdD, Jody Manly, PhD Promoting Emotional Adjustment in Children Experiencing Challenges Justin Russotti, BA, Alisa Hathaway, Catherine Cerulli, JD, PhD Examining the Psychosocial Needs of Military Involved Families	Deployed and Returning Females in the Military: Experiences with Trauma and Sexual Violence Stephanie Felder, MSW, LCSW, BCD The Road to Recovery: Ending Homelessness Among United States Female Veterans Anne G. Sadler, PhD, RN Mixed-gender Housing Influence Risk of Rape in Deployed Service Women	LGBT Issues in the Military Ellen C. Schell, Esq. Gender in the Military: Legal Issues and Remedies Kimberly B. Bonner What Will Change For Women and Lesbians in the Post “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” American Military?
2:30-3:30	Gender & Suicide Catherine Cerulli, PhD, JD Examining Differences Between Female and Male Veteran Suicide Attempts Claire Hoffmire, PHD The Role of Gender in Understanding Veteran Suicide Rates	Women in the Military Brooke Di Leone, PhD “To care for him who shall have borne battle”: Factors associated with women’s veteran identity Melissa Dichter, PhD Premature Separation: Circumstances around women Leaving Military Service and Opportunities to Prevent Premature Separation	Meet the Author Aaron Belkin discussing his book: "Bring Me Men: Military Masculinity and the Benign Facade of American Empire," a study of contradictions in American warrior masculinity, published by Oxford University Press.
3:30	Conference Commences Please join us for a free movie: *When Women Come Marching Home* (55 mins) Post-screening discussion led by Alicia Thompson, a local veteran featured in the film

CLE Credits Pending.

To register, click here.

Part 2: Stanton Anthony Conversations Luncheon and Panel Discussion
October 11
University of Rochester River Campus
Rochester, NY

October 11th will conclude the three-day series with the Stanton-Anthony Conversations & Luncheon held at the Interfaith Chapel on the University of Rochester River Campus. A luncheon, followed by a panel discussion, will address myriad opinions about women in the military and current national policies addressing their gender-specific needs. Cost: $45, $20 for UR students. Click here for more details.

To register, click here.

Additional Sponsors: