Queering LGBT Research Utilizing Photovoice

This project looked at the issues of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans* (LGBT) youth through a Queer Theory lens. Using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), queer youth were given the opportunity to communicate issues relevant to their lives utilizing Photovoice, a qualitative narrative assessment of their community. This study focused on a Photovoice project conducted with five queer youth who attend GSA meetings at a public high school in Southern California. Following training about the Photovoice procedure and issues related to ethics and safety regarding photo taking, the youth engaged in photo documentation of key images capturing their lives. Critical analysis of the photographs was facilitated by members of the research team utilizing the SHOWED prompt developed by Wang and associates (see for example Wang & Pies, 2004). These prompts include: What is Seen here? What is Happening? How does this relate to Our lives? Why are things this way? How can this image Educate people? What can I Do about it? This specific project focused on the SHOW component that provides an opportunity to examine the various influences on the queer youth’s lives. The findings of this Photovoice project highlighted issues such as acceptance, education, emotions (which include strengths and challenges), empowerment, resilience and support systems. These findings contribute to our understanding of the issues that can cause psychological distress among members in the LGBT community. By continuing to research these issues and taking steps to address them, we can enhance the lives of LGBT youth and their surrounding communities through education and action. With the completion of analyzing the thematic issues, the ED portion of SHOWED is to take place in a separate study. These major thematic issues are to be taken back to the youth for a discussion about their perspectives of the themes. The youth’s perspectives are to be incorporated into an action plan developed by them.