Current Research
I am interested in the cultural and legal meanings of sexuality, how these meanings change (particularly with regard to increasing recognition of LGBTQ identities and families), and how Americans respond to such changes. My research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods and encompasses a variety of viewpoints, including general public opinion, family members of LGBTQ people, and LGBTQ people themselves.
My current research includes a project that examines American public opinion of religious freedom laws that reference LGBTQ people. These are laws that many states have introduced and passed in the wake of marriage equality for same-sex couples that provide religious exemptions for certain services and benefits for LGBTQ persons. My research seeks to understand how Americans make sense of these laws and why they support or oppose these laws.
Student Opportunities
I am interested in working with students who have an interest in sexuality, law, and family. I frequently work with graduate students on research and have published with many students. I have experience working with undergraduate students on USTAR, UCARE projects, and honors theses.
Current Teaching
I teach courses in social theory at the undergraduate and graduate level (SOCI 355 and SOCI 4/864). I teach courses on gender and sexuality as well, including a graduate seminar on LGBTQ families (SOCI 907) and an undergraduate honors seminar about sex, gender, and social change (SOCI 189H).
I also teach in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, including an course in LGBTQ Studies (WMNS 201), and a course on sexuality and law (WMNS 301).
Selected Publications
Kazyak, Emily, Kelsy Burke, Rosalind Kichler, and Lora McGraw. 2021. “‘Pee in Peace’ or ‘Make Everyone Uncomfortable’: Public Perceptions of Transgender Rights.” Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World DOI: 10.1177/23780231211055541
Kazyak, Emily, Kelsy Burke, and Mathew Stange. 2018. “Logics of Freedom: Debating Religious Freedom Laws and Gay and Lesbian Rights.” Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World 4: 1-18.
Kazyak, Emily and Brandi Woodell. 2016. “Law and LGBQ-Parent Families.” Sexuality & Culture 20 (3): 749-768.
Scherrer, Kristin S., Emily Kazyak, and Rachel Schmitz. 2015. “Getting ‘Bi’ in the Family: Bisexual People’s Disclosure Experiences.” Journal of Marriage and Family 77 (3): 680-696.
Kazyak, Emily. 2012. “Midwest or Lesbian? Gender, Rurality, and Sexuality.” Gender & Society 26 (6): 825-848.
Recent Grant Activity
National Science Foundation. Social and Economic Sciences Division. Sociology Program. $324,228.
“Religious Exemption Laws and Minority Rights”
Other Information
I serve as the coordinator and advisor for the minor in LGBTQ Studies/Sexuality.