The word 'queer' refers to people whose sexual orientation or gender identity is outside of socially constructed norms, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, pansexual, demisexual, polyamorous, kinky, fetishistic, monogamous, and others. Visual anthropology studies human behavior through filming and photographing daily life. It can be used ethically to document queer experiences if practiced with awareness and consent from all involved parties, but it can also expose individuals to harm. This paper examines how visual anthropologists can safely and ethically capture queer experiences in environments where non-normative sexualities are criminalized or stigmatized without compromising privacy and safety.
Methods for Ethical Documentation
Visual anthropologists must understand the laws, customs, and culture of their subjects before filming or photographing them. They should consult local experts and LGBTQ+ organizations to learn about legal issues surrounding sexuality. Researchers should gain explicit permission before filming intimate moments between partners or asking questions about sex. They should avoid misrepresenting information and ensuring that participants fully understand what they agree to. If recording audio, they must get express consent, as some states legally require this. Filming locations like private homes, bars, clubs, and public streets may not be safe for queer people, so researchers must choose carefully.
Anonymizing Participants
To protect participants' anonymity and reduce risks, visual anthropologists should use pseudonyms instead of real names.
'Rachel' might become 'Alicia'. Photos and videos should be blurred or altered to obscure identifying features. Participants could sign waivers stating they do not want to be identified by name or likeness. Researchers should destroy footage after projects end and delete metadata containing personal information. Any sensitive material should be kept offline and password-protected. Filmmakers should minimize interviews with parents, family members, or employers unless participants explicitly request it.
Respecting Privacy and Safety
Visual anthropology has potential to expose vulnerable individuals to risk, including harassment, violence, or arrest. Filmmakers can mitigate these dangers by creating a code of conduct for themselves, their teams, and their subjects. This document should include guidelines on behavior, communication, privacy, and safety. It should specify how and when to intervene if someone is in danger or being abused. Filmmakers should never record without permission, disregard confidentiality agreements, or reveal intimate details about others. They should prioritize the wellbeing of participants over their own interests, career, or education. If participants report harmful experiences, filmmakers should help them get support from LGBTQ+ organizations.
Documenting Queer Experiences
Ethical documentation requires careful planning, research, and caution. Visual anthropologists must respect local laws, customs, and cultures while maintaining privacy and safety. To do so, they should consult experts, gain explicit consent, anonymize participants, create codes of conduct, and protect against risks. By following these methods, visual anthropologists can ethically document queer experiences in environments that criminalize or stigmatize non-normative sexualities.
How can visual anthropologists ethically document queer experiences in environments that criminalize or stigmatize non-normative sexualities?
The researchers should consider using pseudonyms for their participants to protect their identity while they share their stories. It is also essential to inform them of the purpose of the study and receive their consent before conducting any data collection activities. In addition, visual anthropologists should avoid taking any photographs or videos of people's faces as it might reveal their identities.