Erecting closets and outing ourselves: uncomfortable reflexivity and community‐based research

Abstract

Feminist scholars and community psychologists have argued that reflexivity is a necessary component to conducting socially conscious research. Reflexivity, however, is rarely evident in community psychology. In this article, we share the uncomfortable realities that surfaced during a community-based research project in which we adapted and implemented an HIV prevention intervention for young Black sexual minority women. We each describe how aspects of our identities, values, and socialization affected our engagement in the research and our interactions with and feelings towards participants. In doing so, we hope to call attention to the messiness of community-based work, as well as to promote a community of scholars who are open to self-appraisal and willing to share their least comfortable examples of conducting community-based work in diverse communities. C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Practicing ethnography in migration-related detention centers: A reflexive account

“…Such awareness, though not removing power differentials, can make us more sensitive and able to navigate them (England, 1994). The way we connect with communities is a crucial aspect of research work (Reed et al, 2012): being honest and passionate witnesses of participants' struggles (Stein & Mankowsky, 2004) helps to create meaningful relationships, allowing participants to decide whether and how they want to engage with us. This is what I learned by this story.…”

“…It is indeed common practice for ethnographers to be looked at with suspicion (Case et al, 2014). Moreover, as highlighted by Nikuru's reflexive account about her work on the SIS project (Reed et al, 2012) To be honest, I felt a sense of ambivalence toward them given their role in these centers. The image of them as "the bad ones who keep migrants in detention" is widespread, especially among activist groups and people who are generally critical toward these institutions.…”

“…In this view, reflexivity is a strategy through which researchers critically reflect upon the impact of their own stories, A reflexive account values, and social statuses on the research and on the relationships with the participants (Reinharz, 1992). Sharing feminist concerns, more recently, many community psychologists have invoked a reflexive community psychology practice based on the sharing of scholars' stories about the challenges and vulnerabilities experienced in working with diverse groups in diverse communities (e.g., Arcidiacono, 2009; Harrel & Bond, 2006;Kelly, 2002;Reed, Miller, Nnawulezi & Valenti, 2012; Stein & Mankovsky, 2004;Trickett, 1996).Focusing on the tensions related to power and privilege versus powerlessness and oppression, Mulvey and colleagues (2000) advocate the use of descriptive narratives and critical reflection in order to share personal stories about how community work is carried out and reveal whether and how it challenges inequality and promotes social justice. Harrel and…”

“…Sharing feminist concerns, more recently, many community psychologists have invoked a reflexive community psychology practice based on the sharing of scholars' stories about the challenges and vulnerabilities experienced in working with diverse groups in diverse communities (e.g., Arcidiacono, 2009;Harrel & Bond, 2006;Kelly, 2002;Reed, Miller, Nnawulezi & Valenti, 2012;Stein & Mankovsky, 2004;Trickett, 1996).…”

Engaged Queer Scholarship: Probing a New Paradigm of Knowledge Creation

“…Yet, these community-based approaches can also create blind spots. For instance studies based in LGBT communities have addressed health and wellness issues (Clements-Nolle & Bachrach, 2008;Marshall, 2012;Northridge, McGrath, & Krueger, 2007;Reece & Dodge 2004;Reed, Miller, Knawulezi, & Valenti, 2012;Rhodes, Hergenrather, & Duncan, 2007), largely to the exclusion of other issues that queer people and communities face. is literature does not consider those instances when the researchers are also members of the community partner, or vice versa, both of which are the case with this project.…”