Can queer performance research generate unique knowledge while respecting participant agency?
Queer performance is an interdisciplinary field that explores gender and sexual identity through creative expression such as theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and poetry. It challenges traditional norms around gender and sexuality, which can lead to new insights into human behavior and identity formation. Queer performers are often marginalized due to their nonconforming identities, making it difficult for them to access resources and opportunities to share their work. Researching queer performances requires careful consideration of ethics, particularly when participants consent is involved. This article discusses how ethical guidelines can be enforced in queer performance research.
Respecting Participant Agency in Queer Performance Research
When conducting queer performance research, it is essential to respect the agency of participants. Participants should have full control over their participation and be able to withdraw from the study at any time without consequences. This ensures that they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and opinions freely. To enforce this guideline, researchers must follow these steps:
1. Establish trustworthiness: Before beginning research, establish a relationship with participants based on trust and mutual understanding. This will help build rapport and create a safe environment where participants feel comfortable sharing personal information.
2. Obtain informed consent: Inform participants about the research process and obtain written consent before collecting data. Explain what data will be collected, how it will be used, and who will have access to it. If possible, provide them with copies of consent forms so they can review them later.
3. Use confidentiality agreements: Ensure that all data collected during the study remains private unless otherwise agreed upon by the participant. Confidentiality agreements protect participants' privacy and allow them to share information openly.
4. Respect anonymity: Do not identify participants or use pseudonyms in publications or presentations. If identifying information is necessary for academic purposes, ensure that consent has been obtained explicitly.
5. Provide resources: Offer support services such as counseling or referrals to outside organizations if needed. Encourage participants to seek help if they experience distress due to the research.
6. Report adverse events: If participants report experiencing harm due to the research, take appropriate action immediately and notify relevant authorities.
7. Share findings appropriately: When publishing results, avoid revealing identifying information and consider using aggregated data instead. Present findings respectfully and accurately without sensationalizing them.
8. Follow up: Keep in touch with participants after the study ends to check their well-being and update them on any follow-up actions taken based on the study.
9. Maintain transparency: Be transparent about research goals, methods, and outcomes throughout the study. This helps build trust and ensures participants feel heard and valued.
Unique Knowledge from Queer Performance Research
Queer performance research can generate unique knowledge through its exploration of gender and sexual identity. It challenges traditional norms around what it means to be a man or woman and provides insight into how people form their identities. Researchers can analyze how performers challenge societal expectations and explore alternative ways of living and loving. By examining these performances critically, researchers can gain new insights into human behavior and experiences.
This requires careful consideration of ethics to protect participants' privacy and agency. By following guidelines like those above, researchers can ensure that queer performance studies produce meaningful and valuable contributions to knowledge while respecting participant autonomy.
Queer performance research has immense potential for generating unique knowledge while respecting participant agency. By establishing trust, obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, providing resources, reporting adverse events, sharing findings appropriately, and following up with participants, researchers can ensure ethical practices and contribute valuable insights to society. As such, researchers should embrace these guidelines to create safe spaces where nonconforming voices are heard and valued.