There has been an increasing interest in using queer performance practices as valid research methodologies to explore various aspects of human experience, including but not limited to gender identity, sexual orientation, and body politics.
There are concerns about how these performances can be conducted safely and ethically without compromising participants' privacy and dignity. This paper examines the potential risks and benefits of using queer performance practices in research contexts and offers recommendations for balancing safety and agency.
Safety considerations
When conducting queer performance research, researchers must prioritize participant safety at all times. This means ensuring that participants are informed about the purpose and scope of the study, the risks involved, and their right to withdraw from the study if they feel uncomfortable. Researchers should also take steps to protect participant confidentiality, such as using pseudonyms or anonymous data collection methods. It is crucial to ensure that participants have access to support resources in case they experience distress after the performance.
Researchers should avoid coercion or manipulation during the performance process, which could lead to psychological harm.
Agency considerations
Participants' agency refers to their ability to make decisions and exert control over their bodies and identities. In a performance-based study, it is essential to respect participants' boundaries and give them agency to define what they want to share and express through their performance. Researchers should not pressure participants to reveal information or act in ways that go against their comfort levels. They should also provide opportunities for self-reflection and critical analysis of their own experiences.
Queer performance research should aim to empower participants rather than objectify them.
Balancing safety and agency
Finding the balance between safety and agency in queer performance research can be challenging but feasible with proper planning and communication. Researchers should collaborate with participants throughout the study to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.
They might conduct risk assessments before each performance session, review consent forms regularly, and create safe spaces where participants can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or retaliation. By prioritizing both safety and agency, researchers can conduct meaningful studies that respect participants' dignity while advancing our understanding of gender, sexuality, and relationships.