Reproduction, Sexualities and Sexual Health Research Group

RSSH is an interdisciplinary practice- and community-oriented research group working in diverse areas including reproductive autonomy, HIV/AIDS, experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT+) people, and pregnancy & childbirth. We have cross-cutting interest in stigma and inequalities, and we specialise in ‘co-’ methodologies (e.g. co-production, co-creation, co-design, participatory, creative and arts-based methods).

Our work is rooted in a shared conviction that reproduction, sexualities and health must be understood within the context of broader questions of social justice and inequality. We are committed to producing knowledge that challenges unhelpful binaries in sexual and reproductive health, and that prioritises  lived experiences of different groups. This means that we consider reproduction and sexualities in terms not only of health, but also of the intimate, social, political and governmental possibilities and tensions afforded by reproductive and sexual health policies, practices and activisms. 

We take a trans-inclusive approach, in that we accept people's own definitions of their gender and sexual identities, and actively work to improve research and services for trans, non-binary and gender diverse people.  

Our past and current funders and collaborators include UK Research Councils (Economic and Social Research Council, Arts and Humanities Research Council, Medical Research Council), the Wellcome Trust, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, NHS Trusts, local government and a range of other charitable and private sector funders.