‘Majority doesn’t exist’: a critical perspective on research with LGBTQ+ people

Clifford Lewis and Nina Reynolds

Chapter 5 in Handbook of Sensitive Research in the Social Sciences, 2025, pp 64-76 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: As researchers socialised within cis-gendered-heteronormative communities, we are likely to carry biases towards minority groups that are conscious and unconscious. Such biases can seep into research practice, influence the research process and findings, have a detrimental impact on our participants, and further their minoritisation through the practices informed by the research. Unconscious bias, in particular, can be sinister in its influence as the researcher may not be aware they carry those biases. This chapter puts forward considerations to help researchers identify and manage their unconscious biases towards the LGBTQ+ communities. These considerations relate to reflecting on our own biases and self-educating, understanding the evolving nature of language and identity, considering the influence of culture, separating identity and behaviour, challenging cis-gendered-heteronormative norms and politics, and moving to appreciate the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities beyond continuums. Given the number of LGBTQ+ people in the population, these considerations are relevant for research focusing directly on LGBTQ+ communities as well as studies on the general population.

Keywords: LGBTQ+; Bias; Stigma; Identity; Behaviour; Language (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035315222
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