Abstract
There are particular ethical challenges in conducting participatory research with young queer people from refugee backgrounds, particularly those who have experienced conflict, violence, and war. This includes the difficulties of co-engaging in emotionally sensitive research, issues around 'outing' and being 'outed' in the areas of sexuality and legal status, differing linguistic and cultural worldviews and dealing with the ongoing effects of trauma. There are also significant issues around trust and distrust particularly with the academic institutions and university based researchers who are not from refugee backgrounds. This is particularly with regard to disclosure of information to families or authorities, including the sharing of data regarding legal status, sexuality, and also the appropriation and sharing of personal stories without permission.
Using the case study of a collaboration between queer young people from refugee backgrounds, a refugee organisation and two academics, this chapter looks at ethics in the creation of safe spaces in community based participatory research. It critically reflects on the ethical tensions and paradoxes inherent in using a written code of ethics including the politics of using written texts, the paradoxes inherent in honouring traditions when they are multiple and contradictory, and the question of who ‘owns’ an agreement when signatories the original creators have moved, died or are replaced by people with differing worldviews. The chapter is co-authored by members and former members of RX, a collective of young people from refugee backgrounds living in the UK, two community and two academic researchers, some of whom identify as queer, others as allies.
Using the case study of a collaboration between queer young people from refugee backgrounds, a refugee organisation and two academics, this chapter looks at ethics in the creation of safe spaces in community based participatory research. It critically reflects on the ethical tensions and paradoxes inherent in using a written code of ethics including the politics of using written texts, the paradoxes inherent in honouring traditions when they are multiple and contradictory, and the question of who ‘owns’ an agreement when signatories the original creators have moved, died or are replaced by people with differing worldviews. The chapter is co-authored by members and former members of RX, a collective of young people from refugee backgrounds living in the UK, two community and two academic researchers, some of whom identify as queer, others as allies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Global Child |
| Subtitle of host publication | Children and Families Affected by War, Displacement and Migration |
| Editors | Myriam S. Denov, Claudia Mitchell, Marjorie Rabiau |
| Place of Publication | New Brunswick |
| Publication status | Published - 13 Jan 2023 |
Keywords
- community based participatory research
- ethics
- lesbian
- gay
- bisexual
- transsexual
- queer LGBTQ
- LGBTQ
- young people
