ABSTRACT
This chapter begins from the assertion that context needs to be attended to as much more than a backdrop in examinations of participatory research practice, as well as other forms of research practice. Participatory research has become an important fact of social research methodologies. While some accounts of participatory research speak of researchers reaching out to 'disenfranchised' people who need 'empowering', CMIT began in temporal and spatial context where there were LGBT people who already felt empowered in representing themselves. Relationships were not easy because of this, but it did mean that dialogue and funding for LGBT research had a historical precedent in the city. A supportive head of school and head of human geography research backed this project, combined with broader institutional support and recognition. In examining the 'success' of the CMIT research through reflection by those involved in it, we displayed a breadth of perceptions, rather than a unified and coherent portrayal of 'success'.
