Elisabeth Sheff

Elisabeth Sheff is a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences. Her work focuses on polyamory, gender and sexual minority families, and issues affecting transgender populations. She is also CEO and Director of Legal Services at the Sheff Consulting Group, a think-tank addressing unconventional families and underserved communities. She holds degrees in Sociology (University of Colorado) and Dance (California State University).

Dr. Sheff is globally recognized for expertise on polyamorous families, having authored seminal books like The Polyamorists Next Door (2014) and Stories from the Polycule (2015). Her research bridges academic sociology with practical advocacy, including roles as a Guardian Ad Litem and expert witness in family law cases. She frequently speaks at conferences (APA, ASA) and conventions (Poly Living, DragonCon).

• Media appearances: CNN, NPR, National Geographic's Taboo, and international outlets like Semana (Colombia) and Mente e Cervello (Italy)
• Affiliations: Woodhull Alliance for Sexual Freedom, Community Academic Alliance for Research in Alternative Sexualities

Her work emphasizes ethical non-monogamy dynamics, legal challenges faced by poly families, and intersectional approaches to gender/sexuality studies. She blogs for Psychology Today and consults on media portrayals of non-traditional relationships.