Carla A. Pfeffer
Connect with Carla
About Carla
Dr. Pfeffer's research focuses on LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, health, and social equity. Overarching themes in Dr. Pfeffer's writings include critical inquiry into bodies considered marginal and social actors’ management of stigma and discrimination processes.
Contributions
In the News
Publications
Explores how trans individuals on testosterone therapy receive medical advice regarding pregnancy, the evidence base in the medical empirical literature for this guidance, and how these individuals respond to it. Findings aim to shed light on the impact of medical advice on trans individuals, particularly taking into account the role of testosterone therapy in reducing gender dysphoria, mental health protection, and providing a greater likelihood of being recognized by social peers in accordance with one’s gender.
Explores the experiences of gestational parents who identify as men, trans/masculine, or non-binary regarding their pregnancies, especially focusing on conception. Findings suggest that men, trans/masculine, and non-binary people who are gestational parents seek to normalize their experiences of conception, while also acknowledging the specific challenges they face.
Discusses the increasing importance of issues concerning reproduction for transgender people, specifically focusing on the experiences, needs, and rights of men, trans/masculine, and non-binary individuals who become pregnant. Aims to contribute to a better understanding of the specific reproductive inequalities experienced by trans and non-binary people, with the hope that it will lead to improved cultural and healthcare practices and reduced health inequalities.
Examines the impact of psychological disciplines (psychiatry, psychology, psychoanalysis, and psychotherapy) on shaping perceptions of transgender lives, and how these disciplines created opportunities for transgender individuals to access treatment but often required compliance with transnormativity. Discusses recent contributions from transgender people, emphasizing informed consent models and clinical research, while highlighting ongoing challenges in accessing ethical and transcompetent care.
Represents the largest, most geographically comprehensive, in-depth interview study conducted with the cisgender women partners of transgender men to date. Discusses marriage, family, LGBT communities, gender, sexualities, sociology, and qualitative methods.
Discusses an article written by L. A. Brotto & M. A. Yule, which ascribes asexuality to the category of sexual orientation. This article challenges this categorization, and argues for a typological option that considers asexuality as an identity and community. The authors suggest that this approach better captures the essence of asexuality and may be applicable to a broader range of gender and sexual minorities.
Discusses the types of household and emotional labor performed by the partners of transgender people, expanding scholarship on LGBT families and family life.
Challenges the notion that LGBT group membership is solely biological and that LGBT people would never choose to be LGBT. Suggests that human rights should not be predicated on biological vs. choice-based determinations of group membership.
Considers whether or not proving that homosexuality is genetic may influence support for lesbian and gay people. Challenges the notion that “born this way” formulations of sexual identity always result in more accepting attitudes toward lesbians and gay men.
Identifies the social processes by which the partners of transgender people access regulated social recognition, services, and institutions on behalf of themselves, their partners, and their families.