Psychology & Sexuality is an important new journal which aims to fulfil the requirement for an international journal, publishing high-quality quantitative and qualitative psychological research on sexualities. Psychology & Sexuality will advance knowledge and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, heterosexual and queer issues in psychology and allied disciplines. The journal adopts a broad understanding of psychology such that work that may traditionally be seen as outside the remit of psychology is included. Furthermore, the journal will be progressive and radical with regard to current debates in critical psychology whilst also inclusive, publishing good quality quantitative research as well as more critical qualitative work.

The contents will be predominantly empirical and theoretical papers from both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, but review articles and essays are welcome, along with book reviews. Special features and issues are welcome along with papers that address user engagement and activism. Occasional interview pieces will be included along with historical articles on key figures in the field. Please contact either of the editors if you wish to discuss a special feature/issue or other non-standard article submission.

Topics covered will include (though note this list is not exclusive): sexual identities and practices, relationships, families, LGBTQ studies, queer theory, counselling/psychotherapy with sexual minority clients, attitudes, prejudice and discrimination, health, violence, intergroup relations, the intersection of sexualities and other important demographic characteristics/lines of power (e.g. gender, class, disability, race/ethnicity, age, religion). Submissions addressing these topics and others from a variety of approaches and methodologies – qualitative and quantitative – are most welcome.

Editorial policy

Our editorial policy is progressive in that a strongly non-pathological stance will be taken whilst remaining inclusive of the variety of positions in the field and encouraging vigorous debate. To this end, controversial papers will be acceptable, subject to the usual peer-review criteria, and debate within the journal – replies and rebuttals - are encouraged. A broad position will be taken with respect to the scope of psychological work that will be acceptable. Work outside and on the boundaries of the discipline will be acceptable provided it addresses contemporary issues in research and writing on sexualities. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work is actively encouraged.

Work which treats sexualities, of any kind, as pathology in need of treatment and cure will not be acceptable, as will work which does not directly address issues in contemporary human sexualities research. Comparative work will be treated cautiously due to the inherent difficulties in research and writing of this kind but not automatically excluded. Research and writing which is only about the biology of sexualities and/or that which seeks to identify the ‘causes' of sexualities is also not  within the remit of this journal.

All papers will be subject to the usual system of peer-review, usually by two reviewers in addition to one or both of the editors.