Photovoice method application in the research of LGBTQ population victimisation

Đurić, Slađana and Paraušić Marinković, Ana (2024) Photovoice method application in the research of LGBTQ population victimisation. In: Caring for victims and routes to recovery XIV Annual Conference of the Victimology Society of Serbia: book of abstracts. Victimology Society of Serbia, pp. 78-79. ISBN 978-86-82414-03-2

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Abstract

Victimisation of the LGBTQ persons include various forms of violence, discrimination, as well as social exclusion that members of this population experience because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In societies that favour heterosexuality and gender binary systems, LGBTQ people are often exposed to both social and institutional discrimination that limits their access to rights and resources. To effectively address the problems of the LGBTQ victimisation, it is crucial to understand the specific challenges and concerns members of the population face. This understanding is the basis for the creation of adequate policies and initiatives. One of the effective ways to achieve this insight is the application of photovoice methods. Photovoice is a participatory research method that actively involves participants in the research process, encouraging reflexivity in expressing their thoughts, attitudes and experiences first through images and then through narratives. Participants are given the opportunity to select and record segments from their lives that are significant for an in-depth understanding of the social problems they face. After that, the participants have the opportunity to present the recorded material, a critical dialogue is established on the issues they consider important and finally, in some form of public exhibition of the main findings, present their insights. This participatory approach allows authentic and first-hand representation of participants' problems, giving researchers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of victimisation and the everyday obstacles LGBTQ people face. Visual representations of experiences can reveal aspects of their life that are difficult to address using traditional research methods. One of the challenges of applying photovoice methods in LGBTQ research is ensuring the privacy and anonymity of the participants,given the sensitivity of the topic. It is notable to mention the possibility of endangering the security of research participants, especially in communities with pronounced discrimination of LGBTQ persons. It is important that researchers provide ethical guidelines that will protect the identity and safety of participants. As a participatory and empowering research method, photovoice can play a key role in better understanding the experiences of the LGBTQ population, providing researchers and decision-makers with significant insights that can be the basis for developing support systems and creating public policies that address the issues members of sexual minorities face.

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