Queer performance is an umbrella term for artistic works that challenge traditional gender roles and sexual identities. It often involves experimentation with body language, costume, music, movement, and dialogue to create new forms of expression that defy normative expectations. Recently, this style of performing has become increasingly popular among artists working within academia, specifically social science disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology.
There have been concerns raised about whether queer performance can produce valid research insights while also protecting participant safety and agency. In this article, I will examine these issues from an ethics perspective and suggest potential solutions based on best practices from previous studies.
It is important to understand how participants are recruited for queer performances in research settings. Usually, researchers advertise their study through postings online or at universities, inviting interested parties to attend workshops where they explain what kind of participation is expected. Participants must sign consent forms agreeing to take part in the study before beginning any activities. This initial phase helps ensure that everyone involved fully comprehends the nature of the study and agrees to its terms without coercion or manipulation. Once all necessary paperwork is completed, researchers may begin collecting data using various methods depending on the type of performance being conducted.
Some studies involve live action role-playing exercises between pairs or groups of people who interact through scripts provided by the research team. Others require participants to engage in improvisational scenarios while wearing costumes that alter their physical appearance or mannerisms.
Some investigations use surveys or interviews after the fact to gather feedback on the experience. All methods should be explained thoroughly to participants prior to conducting them.
Even when protocols are followed precisely, there remains a risk that participants could feel uncomfortable or unsafe during these interactions due to social pressure within queer communities around topics such as gender expression and sexuality. To mitigate this risk, researchers can establish clear guidelines regarding communication expectations beforehand so no one feels pressured into behaviors against their will.
They should consider providing support resources such as mental health services if needed following the performance.
Researchers need to respect participant autonomy above all else by allowing individuals to opt out of activities without penalty or shame. It is also crucial to remember that all data collected from these encounters belongs solely to those who created it; therefore, confidentiality measures must be taken throughout every step of the process.
While queer performances have unique potential for generating meaningful insights about human behavior and relationships, ethical concerns about safety and agency remain paramount in academic settings. By clearly communicating expectations early on and ensuring adequate support structures exist afterwards, researchers can create safe spaces where diverse perspectives may thrive alongside traditional methodologies.