SHEL - Sexual Health Equity Lab, Los Angeles, CA (2025)

04/08/2025

Meet the SHEL team! 🐚 🌈

Dr. Sungsub Billy Choo (he/they) joined SHEL in September 2024 as a postdoctoral researcher. They received their PhD in public health sciences from Korea University in 2024, majoring in epidemiology and risk management.

At Korea University, they conducted and published research on the health of sexual and gender minority individuals in South Korea. Their doctoral dissertation examined the systems of anti-transgender stigma in South Korean society and its contribution to mental health inequities among transgender and nonbinary adults.

They are committed to conducting research aimed at understanding and addressing the unique challenges to health and well-being faced by sexual and gender minority individuals.

Find the rest of the SHEL team and our collaborators at shel.sdsu.edu.

On a bright blue-purple gradient background, white text reads: "Meet the Team!" next to the SHEL logo. Below is text that reads, "Dr. Sungsub Billy Choo, Postdoctoral Researcher, he/they," with a circular photo of a person smiling at the camera. There is more text included in a colorful box, as listed below. "Hometown: Seoul, Korea, Astrological Sign: Sagittarius, Top Artist of 2024: NewJeans, Favorite LGBTQ+ Media: Love in the Big City, Research Interests: Social determinants of health inequalities that LGBTQ+ people face, Education: PhD in Public Health (Korea University), EdM in Counseling Psychology (Columbia University)." Lastly, a quote from Billy is highlighted.

02/17/2025

Do you identify as Trans or Non-Binary and want to earn up to $390? Join Project RADIANT today! ☀️✨

Project RADIANT is being done to gain a better understanding of the impact that relationships can have on health, including mental health, physical health, and sexual health in TGNB communities.

If interested, visit www.tinyurl.com/joinradiant to see if you're eligible.

Image Description: The image is an advertisement targeting trans and nonbinary individuals. The background features a vibrant, colorful design with pink, orange, and yellow stripes radiating outward. The text reads: "ARE YOU TRANS OR NONBINARY?" Below this, a circular yellow bubble states: "Complete surveys and free at-home HIV/STI tests." At the bottom right, bold red text states:
"Earn up to $390." Logos for SHEL (Sexual Health Equity Lab) and RADIANT are displayed at the bottom of the ad. The foreground features a photo of two individuals: one with short, curly blond hair, glasses, and a plaid shirt, and another with close-cropped dark hair and hoop earrings, wearing a light-colored top. Both look directly at the camera with confident expressions.

02/03/2025

February is Black History Month! ✨

We at the SHEL would like to share some of the work we've done to support Black sexual minority men living with HIV. This also comes ahead of Friday being National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

The Texas YBMSM Cohort aimed to find ways of enhancing participation in the HIV care journey amidst challenging social and economic circumstances faced by young Black sexual minority men living with HIV in the US South. The paper highlighted in this post discusses some of the results of this study and is available at shel.sdsu.edu under 'Publications.'

Image Description: The image features a promotional post with a research paper spotlight from SHEL. It includes a photo of two Black men walking together, smiling and casually dressed. Below the photo is a headline that reads: "Engaged and supportive providers in the HIV care experiences of Black sexual minority men living with HIV." In the bottom section, there is a call-to-action: "Read More at shel.sdsu.edu." On the right side of the image, there’s a circular graphic with the word "Texas" and an icon representing two people. The background has a soft gradient of pastel colors.

01/27/2025

The next research project we'll be highlighting is EROS (Empowering Relationships and Opportunities for Safety)!

Eros is a 5-year longitudinal cohort study that will examine the impact of romantic relationships on sexual health outcomes such as HIV risk, sexually transmitted infections, and PrEP use among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of sexual minority men throughout the United States.

Learn more about Project EROS at shel.sdsu.edu.

Image Description: The image highlights the "EROS" project with a gradient teal background and bold white text at the top that reads: *"Project Highlights: EROS."* The text explains: *"EROS is a 5-year longitudinal cohort study that will examine the impact of romantic relationships on sexual health outcomes such as HIV risk, sexually transmitted infections, and PrEP use among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of 500 sexual minority men throughout the United States."* A section labeled *"Fun Fact"* contains a green background and text that states: *"500 participants have been enrolled with over a 90% retention rate for each follow-up assessment!"*
On the left side, there is a yellow logo featuring the text *"EROS"* alongside an illustration of two faces outlined in bold lines. At the bottom, there is a caption:
*"Eros is a collaborative project between researchers and staff at San Diego State University and the RAND Corporation."*

01/27/2025

Meet the SHEL team! 🐚🌈

Dr. Erik D. Storholm (he/him) is a tenured associate professor in the Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science in the School of Public Health and director of the Sexual Health Equity Lab (SHEL) at SDSU.

Dr. Storholm is a licensed clinical psychologist with an established behavioral research program focused on reducing health inequities through behavioral and biomedical interventions that prevent HIV/STI transmission by improving mental health and reducing substance use and violence among sexual and gender minority populations.

Dr. Storholm is currently leading several NIH-funded projects focused on biobehavioral HIV prevention uptake and adherence among sexual and gender minorities.

Find the rest of the SHEL team and our collaborators at shel.sdsu.edu.

Image Description: On a bright blue and purple gradient background, white text reads: “Meet the Team!” next to the SHEL logo. Below is text that reads, “Dr. Erik Storholm, Lab Director, he/him,” with a circular photo of Dr. Storholm smiling at the camera. There is more text included in a colorful box, as listed below. “Hometown: Stillwater, MN, Astrological Sign: Capricorn, Top Artist of 2024: Ariana Grande, Favorite LGBTQ+ Media: And the Band Played On or Paris is Burning, Research Interests: Reducing violence, stigma and improving the mental and physical health of all LGBTQ+ people, Education: PhD in Clinical/Counseling Psychology at NYU; Psychology Internship at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC; Postdoc in HIV and Substance Use at UCSF.” Lastly, a quote from Dr. Storholm is highlighted: “My favorite part of working at the SHEL is the opportunity to learn from and mentor the next generation of passionate LGBTQ+ health scientists and practitioners.”

01/13/2025

"Happy New Year Everyone! ✨

We're kicking off 2025 by introducing our new research project, RADIANT (Relationships And Dynamics - Improving Advocacy for Nonbinary and Trans)!

RADIANT is a 5-year longitudinal cohort study that will examine the impact of romantic relationships on sexual health outcomes among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of 600 Trans and Nonbinary participants throughout the United States.

RADIANT is currently recruiting participants! If interested, visit www.tinyurl.com/joinradiant to see if you're eligible.

11/25/2024

Welcome to the SHEL! 🐚✨

At the Sexual Health Equity Lab (SHEL), under the leadership of Dr. Erik Storholm, our focus is on improving the health of all sexual and gender minorities.

Through innovative behavioral and biomedical interventions, we strive to address inequities by improving mental health, reducing substance use, preventing violence, and decreasing HIV/STI transmission. With a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, we aim to empower communities and drive positive change in sexual health outcomes.

09/27/2024

HIV TESTING TIPS ✅

➡️ Has getting tested for HIV been sitting on your to-do list? Make it happen this month, in honor of National Gay Men’s HIV Awareness Day.

➡️ To find a testing location near you, check out aidsvu.org/services

➡️ For more information on self testing, check out www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/hiv-testing/self-testing.html

Image Description: A short checklist on a square sticky note rests above a teal backdrop. “Testing Tips” is large in a green rectangle above the checklist. Below, there is a light blue rectangle that reads, “National Gay Men’s HIV Awareness Day.” On the checklist is the following: “Getting tested for HIV is often quick, free, and painless. Check it off your to-do list with these three tips: 1. Go with a friend! An accountability buddy can help keep it on your calendar and build in emotional support. 2. Did you know you can test at home? Order a HIV self-test online if you can’t make it to a local testing location. 3. Remember that your HIV test results will be confidential. Your status cannot be shared without your consent!”

08/27/2024

Over the summer we’ve been hard at work preparing for the launch of our newest R01- Project ✨ RADIANT ✨ which will study trans and nonbinary health and relationships. 🏳️‍⚧️

Stay tuned and check our website for exciting updates/ ways to get involved coming soon!

03/30/2024

THIS WEEK, I interviewed the SHEL’s very own Dr. Storholm!

➡️ Swipe for an insightful Q&A with our lab’s director, where we discuss his start in research, what motivates him, and more.

➡️BONUS Q&A: If Dr. Storholm could gain any ability in an instant, he would choose to know all the world’s languages!

03/30/2024

TODAY, take a moment to reflect on how you take charge of your sexual health.

➡️ Your wellness matters!

➡️ Scroll for a few ways to start empowering your sexual health decisions.

03/10/2024

CHECK OUT these brief summaries of recent publications from members within the SHEL!

➡️ Our research aims to provide the world with better insight into the very pressing and relevant issues that impact the communities around us.

➡️ Visit our website through the link in our bio to find more of the SHEL’s research.

SHEL - Sexual Health Equity Lab

04/08/2025

02/17/2025

02/03/2025

01/27/2025

01/27/2025

01/13/2025

11/25/2024

09/27/2024

08/27/2024

03/30/2024

03/30/2024

03/10/2024

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