ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by observing how, despite the success of marriage equality, educational institutions continue to represent spaces which eclipse LGBTQI+ self-identifying individuals and families, particularly when there is legislative “push back” constraining the human rights of transgender students. This discriminatory situation highlights the rationale and urgency of researching diversity in gender and sexuality and documenting LGBTQI+ lives. More broadly, the role of critical social research for the public good is examined, especially with respect to marginalized populations. The chapter also discusses the utility of queer, trans and feminist lenses to interrupt norms and unpack the complexity and messiness of qualitative research and the role of the LGBTQI+ ally detailing the advantages and limitations of insider and outsider research. Questions are asked about which researchers should be accorded the opportunity to work with LGBTQI+ communities. Then, the topic of ethics during the conduct of LGBTQI+ research is examined, including the role of reflexivity, flexibility and project design. Finally, the chapter notes the importance of shifting from risk-assessment, which embodies participants as vulnerable subjects, to a framework of trust, in collaboration with LGBTQI+ communities, to showcase their creativity, resilience and empowerment.
