Queer research is a subfield within LGBTQ studies that focuses on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning people (LGBTQ) and their interactions with society. It encompasses topics such as identity formation, coming out, family dynamics, discrimination, and relationships.
Conducting queer research presents several structural and institutional barriers that limit its scope and influence. In this article, I will explore some of these obstacles and suggest strategies for navigating them to produce more inclusive scholarship.
The first major challenge facing scholars is access to funding. Many universities and government agencies have policies prohibiting the study of sexual orientation or gender expression unless it relates to HIV/AIDS prevention or military readiness. These restrictions can be especially problematic for graduate students seeking dissertation support or faculty members applying for grants. Even when funds are available, they may come with strings attached - for example, requiring researchers to collaborate with conservative institutions like churches or religious organizations. To overcome these constraints, scholars must work together across disciplines to advocate for increased funding specifically earmarked for queer-related projects. They should also consider alternative sources of financing, such as crowdfunding or private foundations.
They should emphasize the importance of studying marginalized populations and offer creative solutions to address societal problems.
Another obstacle is data collection. While some survey companies now include questions about sexuality, many still rely on self-identification, which can lead to undercounting or miscategorization of LGBTQ people.
Many databases used in social science research lack data on nonbinary individuals, transgender women, or other gender minorities. Scholars need to develop new methodologies for collecting information from hard-to-reach populations and creating reliable measures that capture nuanced experiences. This requires collaboration between quantitative and qualitative researchers and a willingness to experiment with innovative techniques. By working with community partners and participating in public discussions, academics can build trust with marginalized groups and gain access to valuable insights.
Academic publishing presents significant barriers to queer scholarship. Many peer-reviewed journals require authors to adhere to traditional conventions of objectivity and neutrality, which can stifle explorations of identity politics or lived experience. Editors and reviewers may also prioritize studies that confirm existing beliefs over those challenging them. Scholars can push back against this bias by engaging in dialogue with editors before submission and crafting papers with clear theoretical frameworks and practical implications. They can also seek out venues that specialize in queer studies or interdisciplinary fields like anthropology or cultural studies, where more open-minded approaches are valued.
The field needs to advocate for changes in editorial policies that recognize the importance of diversifying perspectives and expanding knowledge beyond mainstream narratives.
Conducting queer research involves navigating complex structural and institutional obstacles that limit its scope and impact.
Scholars can overcome these constraints by seeking alternative sources of funding, developing innovative data collection methods, and pushing back against biased publication practices. By doing so, they can produce more inclusive scholarship that expands our understanding of gender, sexuality, and intimacy across cultures and time periods.
What structural and institutional barriers constrain queer research, and how can scholars navigate or transform these obstacles?
Research on sexual orientation and gender identity has been historically limited by a range of barriers that have hindered its growth and advancement. One significant barrier is the marginalization and invisibility of LGBTQIA+ communities from mainstream scholarly discourse, which has led to the underrepresentation of their perspectives, experiences, and needs in academic literature (Brown & Burt, 2015).