I am an MSCA PhD Fellow in Social Psychology at the University of Copenhagen and a member of the Gender-InSIGHT Doctoral Network. I hold degrees in psychology, sociology, and social psychology. More than identifying with a single discipline, I see myself as a topic-driven researcher, with a primary focus on LGBTIQ+ lived experiences and realities.
My work is interdisciplinary and mixed-methods, drawing on social psychological, clinical, educational, and historical perspectives when they help me better understand the questions at hand. Across these different lenses, my research broadly examines minority stress, social identity, mental and sexual health, and psychosocial well-being.
Hello,
I am Mertcan.
I am Mertcan.
LLO,
HE
Different disciplines, different perspectives, shared purpose.
I use research as a way to understand the social realities we live in. When I encounter a social phenomenon that I want to understand more deeply, I draw on my knowledge, methodological toolbox, and curiosity to turn that question into research. Rather than being tied to a single topic or approach, I let the question guide the methods and perspectives I use.
Different disciplines, different perspectives, shared purpose.
Research, activism, art, and design coming together to understand social realities with care, creativity, and intention.
My primary goal is to advocate for underrepresented queer communities across the globe, particularly in Türkiye, and to help make sure no one is left behind. I care deeply about bringing diverse LGBTIQ+ experiences, especially those that are often overlooked, into global academic research.
Beyond publications, titles, or academic achievements, I hope to be a “gate opener” for others finding their way into academia while navigating intersecting vulnerabilities and structural barriers. I want my work to contribute not only to knowledge, but also to making academic spaces a little more accessible for those who come after me.
the values behind my work
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the values behind my work ———
I care for the people I work with, the communities my research is about, and the relationships that make the work possible.
CARE
I try to work transparently, take responsibility for my decisions, remain open to criticism, and practice research in ways that others can question and build on.
INTEGRITY
I recognize that people experience the world differently, and that intersecting identities can create distinct forms of vulnerability, exclusion, and resilience.
INTERSECTIONALITY
I try to create spaces where people feel safe to speak, ask questions, disagree, and be understood without assumptions, especially across different cultural contexts.
KINDNESS
I remember the people who made space for me, and I try to do the same for others by sharing opportunities, uplifting people, and making academia easier to enter and navigate.
GATE OPENING