Welcoming Michael Kassara to the University of Sydney

Autogynephilia, Stigma and the Responsibility of Sexuality Science

Dr James Morandini

I was pleased to see Queer Majority include my piece "One in three bisexual men may be autogynephilic: Understanding their experience matters" in their Top 10 most-read articles of 2025. Those with autogynephilic sexual orientations are still subject to vilification, mischaracterisation and discrimination. When sexuality research is sanitised or censored, we weaken science and deny people language and concepts that may help them understand and accept themselves. Greater positive visibility and research can help the next generation encounter knowledge rather than shame and erasure. Original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-morandini_i-was-pleased-to-see-queer-majority-include-activity-7413405836401868800-VNll

Marching with The Gender Centre at Sydney Mardi Gras

Dr James Morandini

Proud to march alongside colleagues and families from The Gender Centre at Sydney Mardi Gras. The Gender Centre supports trans and gender-diverse people with housing insecurity or homelessness, alongside counselling, case management, family support, groups, education and training, and outreach. Established in 1983 in Petersham as Tiresias House, it became The Gender Centre in 1993 and has now supported the community for more than four decades. Original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-morandini_proud-to-march-alongside-colleagues-and-families-activity-7433842053303672833-P48b

Mental Health and Gender Dysphoria in Male Cross-Dressers and Transfeminine People

Dr James Morandini

Dr Kevin Hsu, S. Rudd and my paper is out in Clinical Psychological Science: "Mental Health, Relationships, and Gender Dysphoria in Male Cross-Dressers and Transfeminine Individuals From an Online Community Sample". This research explores the experiences of people with diverse sexual and gender differences, including heterosexual and bisexual male cross-dressers, a prevalent group almost entirely absent from scientific research who may experience gender dysphoria and ongoing social stigma. Original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-morandini_hsumorandinirudd2026-activity-7457984252157272064-vcDj

Gay Men’s Speech, Gender Nonconformity and Genuine Acceptance

Dr James Morandini

We have published a study using objective acoustic analysis via Praat software of gay and mostly gay versus heterosexual men's voice samples. It contributes to the evidence demonstrating on-average increased sex-atypicality in gay men versus heterosexual men. Because gay male femininity has been stigmatised, some researchers and activists seek to deny or minimise evidence of gender nonconformity rather than challenge the assumption that being a feminine man is bad or shameful. True acceptance of sexual minorities involves acceptance of who people really are. Original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-morandini_sexual-identity-gender-nonconformity-and-activity-7476896011429543936-3CBY

The State of Scholarship: A Report Worth Reading

Dr James Morandini

Here is the recently released "Report on the State of Scholarship in the Humanities and the Humanistic Social Sciences", developed by a working group of prominent humanities and social science scholars, led by NYU philosophy professor Paul Boghossian. An important read. Original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-morandini_state-of-scholarship-report-activity-7483374219423076352-QF4F

Does exposure to continuous and fluid theories of sexual orientation influence heterosexuals’ evaluations toward bisexual or gay/lesbian people?

Dr James Morandini

Our new paper "Does exposure to continuous and fluid theories of sexual orientation influence heterosexuals’ evaluations toward bisexual or gay/lesbian people?" is now published online in the APA journal "Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity." The paper comprises two experimental studies, the first in a large student sample (Study 1) and the second in a large nationally representative community sample (Study 2) examining how reading about different conceptualisations of sexual orientation (continuous vs discrete, fluid vs fixed) influences attitudes toward gay, lesbian, bisexual men and women. Critically, because LGB attitudes are not homogeneous, attitudes to different sexual orientation types (homosexual vs bisexual) and genders were assessed separately. Continuous framings of sexual orientation led to more positive feelings to LGB individuals generally, and showed particular benefits for reducing stigma toward bisexual men (a subgroup often found to experience the most negative attitudes). Dacosta, L., Morandini, J. S., & Dar-Nimrod, I. (2024). Does exposure to continuous and fluid theories of sexual orientation influence heterosexuals’ evaluations toward bisexual or gay/lesbian people? Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Advance online publication https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000777

Welcoming Michael Kassara to the University of Sydney

Dr James Morandini

Excited for Michael Kassara who is relocating from Adelaide to Sydney this week to pursue his PhD at USYD Psychology supervised by Ilan Dar Nimrod, PhD and myself. Michael has already secured competitive funding for his first PhD study from the American Institute of Bisexuality, which will examine diverse pathways to bisexual identity and shared and unique mental health challenges among diverse bi+ men. Looking forward to working together in the coming years and being part of Michael's PhD journey in this important area. https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/research-students/michael-kassara-241.html#

Dr Anne Lawrence provides specialist supervision at King Street Psychology

Dr James Morandini

The great Dr Anne Lawrence provided supervision on autogynephilic gender dysphoria, with a focus on teens, today with the King Street Psychology Clinic team. Such an honour to have her share her knowledge/experience with us.

Dr Erik Wibowo speaks at King Street Psychology on voluntary eunuchs

Dr James Morandini

American Institute of Bisexuality visits King Street Psychology

Dr James Morandini

Our team had the pleasure of speaking with John Sylla (president) and Ian Lawrence (executive director) of the American Institute of Bisexuality (AIB) @ King Street Psychology today. AIB funds scientific research and advocacy into bisexuality worldwide, and has funded our research into the bisexual brain in recent years. Such a pleasure to meet again and hear about their important work

King Street Psychology Clinic: 2023 team gathering

Dr James Morandini

King Street Psychology Clinic Christmas Party. 17 psychologists, 1 speech path, 1 child and adolescent psychiatrist. These talented, informed, and brave clinicians have helped to build a world-class sexuality/gender clinic providing evidenced based care and careful/nuanced support for complex cases. I couldn't be prouder of these good people and the rare and important service they provide.