“Why don't behavior analysts do something?”¹ Behavior analysts' historical, present, and potential future actions on sexual and gender minority issues

Capriotti et al. (2022) looked back at how behavior analysts have treated sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. They wrote a story-style review, not a lab study.

The authors asked why our field has stayed quiet while SGM people face harm. They mapped five action steps we can take right now.

The paper found that behavior analysis has mostly ignored SGM issues. Historical practices even helped punish gay or trans behaviors.

The team says we now have a duty to use our science to support SGM liberation. They give a clear five-point plan to do it.

Kremkow et al. (2022) made the same activist call, but for fighting anti-Black racism. Both 2022 papers use the same rally cry: apply behavior science to dismantle oppression.

Watson-Thompson et al. (2022) extends this work by handing us ready-to-use Social-Ecological Model worksheets. These tools help us change racist and anti-SGM contingencies at every level of an organization.

de la Cruz et al. (2025) show the pathway is real. Their case studies prove behavior analysts can already sway lawmakers on licensing and funding. We can copy their playbook to push inclusive SGM policies.

If you are a BCBA, you already shape behavior. This paper says you must also shape justice. Start by checking your forms: do they only list male/female? Ask clients their pronouns and model using them. Slip a Pride flag pin on your lanyard. Small cues tell SGM clients they are safe with you. Next, bring the five-point plan to your next team meeting. Pick one action—maybe write a public comment for an inclusive policy—and set a deadline. Our science is powerful; now we aim it at liberation.