New tools support LGBTQ+ inclusive fieldwork

A guide to planning safe, inclusive and equitable fieldwork for LGBTQ+ people has been launched by a research team.

The written guidelines and animated videos explain why it is essential to embed safety and inclusivity in fieldwork planning, and the most effective ways to achieve this. 

The guidelines advocate for peers involved in fieldwork to listen to LGBTQ+ colleagues before and during planning, to conduct risk assessments with inclusivity in mind, and to be an active ally throughout and after fieldwork, regardless of whether LGBTQ+ colleagues are ‘out’ or known to be participating in the work. 

The guidelines contain detailed, practical steps to applying inclusivity and equity across all fieldwork. 

The resources are available for free and in multiple formats at the Inclusive Fieldwork Hub.

We owe a depth of gratitude for the rich perspectives that fellow researchers in our focus groups have shared

The PRIDE Guidelines research team conducted a series of three focus groups with fieldworkers from across the University of Leeds to create the resources.

The project is led by Professor Martin Zebracki (School of Geography) with Dr Robin Hayward, Dr Fiona Gill, Dr Sam Wimpenny (currently at the University of Bristol), Dr C Scott Watson and Helena Brown (School of Earth and Environment). 

Project lead Martin Zebracki said: “I feel privileged to have worked with such a committed and diverse team on the challenges and opportunities that LGBTQ+ researchers face while carrying out fieldwork.  

“We owe a depth of gratitude for the rich perspectives that fellow researchers in our focus groups have shared on the topic, which have shaped the development of easy-to-digest guidance documents and videos. We are also grateful to our partners Nifty Fox Creative and Motus TV for the inspiring collaboration that underpinned the development of these resources.” 

LGBTQ+ inclusion in fieldwork 

Fieldwork is done away from the regular workplace, sometimes in different countries. 

LGBTQ+ people might face different barriers to access and inclusion in these situations. For example, they might be working in a country where they face hostile attitudes or legal restrictions around their sexuality or identity. 

Around 70 states in the world criminalise consensual sexual relations between people of the same sex according to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. 

Robin Hayward said: “Isolation and a lack of community can be a big issue within fieldwork settings. Something particularly powerful about these focus groups was coming together with other LGBTQ+ fieldworkers and recognising that we are not alone. Every story is unique but there is so much we can learn from to support each other.” 

The researchers held focus groups with colleagues to find out their experiences of fieldwork

The researchers recognise that to be fully inclusive, it is important to consider intersectionality – how different identities overlap – such as LGBTQ+ people of colour, or LGBTQ+ people with disabilities, or both.

Acknowledging intersectionality means that LGBTQ+ people may have additional access and inclusion needs based on other aspects of their identity, life experiences, and the varied contexts of fieldwork.

Martin Zebracki added: “We hope that these resources will be a helpful conversation starter and pave the way to pursuing and further sharing of inclusive fieldwork practices.”

The project follows the creation of Guidelines for Safe, Inclusive and Equitable Research Fieldwork for all, which can support colleagues and researchers to consider intersectional inclusivity, and which highlighted the need for LGBTQ+ specific guidance as an additional tool. 

The PRIDE Guidelines project was funded by Research England’s Enhancing Research Culture Fund. 

Martin Zebracki said: "I look forward to leading our work in our new Research England Enhancing Research Culture project on wellbeing and resilience in fieldwork. This project will collaboratively produce an online serious game that will help research leadership in enhancing the mental health of fieldworkers.”