As researchers, we must strive to do no harm. And yet, when learning and writing about people with life experiences other than your own, the risk of misrepresentation is high. Respectful researchers evaluate their sources, check their language, and follow ethical research methodology.
Asking questions such as Who created this? Why was it created? Who was it created for? How was this information gathered? Is this information current? are always important questions to ask about your sources. When studying LGBTQ+ topics, the answers to these questions become even more important due to the ongoing impact of discrimination and marginalization against LGBTQ+ communities.
Whenever possible, choose sources that:
Browse the Evaluating Websites guide for general strategies for evaluating credibility.
The language you use matters. Check your own writing for accuracy and respectful terminology. Familiarize yourself with these helpful guidelines:
When doing original research (ex. surveys, interviews, etc), be sure to conduct your research in respectful ways. Familiarize yourself with best practices.
Queer Methods and Methodologies
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Researching Non-Heterosexual Sexualities
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