Irwin honored as Outstanding Young Omahan

They’re passionate. They work hard. They’re committed. They lead.

That's how the Omaha Jaycees describe their 2018 Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO!) award recipients. This year's recipients include Jay Irwin, Associate Professor of Sociology.

The award honors individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who show exemplary commitment to improving the Omaha community through selfless acts of kindness while excelling in their professional careers.

Irwin currently teaches courses including Research Methods, Basic Statistics, Medical Sociology, Sociology of Mental Illness, Sociology of Sexualities, and Introduction to LGBTQ Studies. He is also an advisor for the LGBTQ/Sexuality Studies Minor.

Irwin's primary research focuses on LGBTQ health, particularly the health and well-being of transgender individuals. He has conducted state wide surveys of LGBTQ Nebraskans, as well as in-depth qualitative interviews of transgender individuals across the state. Of key interest to Irwin is the mental health of these communities, as well as access to appropriate medical care.

Irwin serves on multiple collaborative groups including: MSHRC: Midwest Sexual Health Research Collaborative, NECTAR: Nebraska Collaborative for Transgender Research, PTRN: Professional Transgender Resource Network , UNO's LGBTQIA+ Task Force, UNO's Lavender Graduation Committee, Advisory Board Affiliate for University of Wisconsin-Stout's Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy, and is an Advisory Board Member of the National Coalition for LGBT Health. He also holds courtesy appointments in Public Health at University of Nebraska Medical Center and Women's & Gender Studies at UNO.