Thank you for your interest in completing one of the REALM Study surveys. This survey is closed.
Substantial cuts to public health research and infrastructure by the U.S. government have
significantly hindered universities' ability to conduct LGBTQ+ and mental health research.
STUDY CLOSURE – While the REALM Study has not been formally terminated, we have not received
our expected funding for this year, so we have no funds to continue study activities at this time. We
are forced to pause all follow-up surveys and activities for now, with hopes that we will be able to
resume in the future. We will communicate as soon as we receive any definitive answers about
whether we will be able to resume or if the study is permanently closed.
INCENTIVE PAYMENT – While all study surveys have been closed, participants who have already
completed a survey and are due payment will still be paid.
YOUR DATA & PRIVACY – We want to reiterate that, as always, we take the privacy and
confidentiality of you and your data extremely seriously. We know this is increasingly a concern for
a lot of folks- our staff team included. In addition to our standard data protections, our study has a
Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC) that legally protects identifiable, sensitive data from court
subpoena. Additionally, please know that the data you have already shared for the study will not go
to waste– We are continuing to analyze this data to gain insights about rural LGBTQ+ folks and your
mental health experiences.
RESOURCES & FUTURE CONTACT – We recently emailed all REALM study participants about these
changes. In the email, we also shared resources, an FAQ sheet, and a link where you can sign up to
be contacted about future research opportunities you may be eligible for or about lessons learned
from the REALM data. Check your email for details.
The REALM family has nearly 2,000 LGBTQ+ participants living in small towns across almost every
state in the United States, including Puerto Rico. Although there is a lot of uncertainty right now, we
remain dedicated to the research and to the health and wellbeing of rural LGBTQ+ people across
the country. We are beyond grateful for your participation in the study. In these scary, uncertain
times, you all continue to show up for your community, for each other. Let that be a ray of hope.
You have more people in your corner than you realize.
As a team, we will continue to advocate for the conditions that allow you to live a safe, long,
healthy, and free life as your most authentic self.
Much love,
REALM Team