Supporting Trans+ Global Majority People: Research Participants Needed
GIRES is supporting a Postgraduate research project with UCL’s Institute of Education, exploring the experiences of trans+ people from the Global Majority within queer community spaces.
The project looks at how racism, transphobia and other institutional barriers shape people’s lives, identities and access to support. It also asks what queer organisations, groups and community spaces can do better to create safer, more affirming and more inclusive environments.
While the research will form part of the postgraduate dissertation, the aim is for the findings to have a practical use beyond academia. The project will help inform guidance, resources or recommendations for queer organisations and community groups.
Who can take part?
People are invited to take part via the expression of interest form if they are:
- 18 or over
- Trans+, non-binary, gender-diverse, or do not identify as cisgender
- From the global majority, meaning people who are not considered white or who are racialised as non-white
- Living in the UK, or have lived in the UK for a significant period
Notes on terminology:
For this project, “trans+” is used as an inclusive umbrella term for people whose gender identity is not cisgender. This includes trans, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, gender-diverse and other related identities.
“Global majority” is used to describe people and communities who are racialised as non-white. This may include people of African, Asian, Indigenous, Latin American, Middle Eastern, mixed heritage or other racialised backgrounds. The project recognises that no single term is perfect, and participants are welcome to describe themselves in the language that feels right for them.
What will taking part involve?
Participants will be invited to join one focus group lasting around 90 minutes.
There will be two options:
Online focus group
Thursday 18 June, 6pm
Microsoft Teams
In-person focus group
Saturday 20 June, 2pm
UCL Institute of Education, London
Participants can choose whichever format feels most comfortable.
Before the focus group, participants will be invited to choose an object that feels meaningful to their identity. This could be something linked to culture, memory, relationships, community, gender, everyday life or anything else that feels personally relevant.
At the start of the session, people will be invited to share their object and talk about why it matters to them. This is optional. Nobody will be expected to speak for a set amount of time, and participants can share as much or as little as they wish.
The group discussion will then explore:
- Experiences of racism, transphobia and institutional barriers
- What community means and where people have found support
- What has been missing from queer spaces
- How community learning, care, connection and shared knowledge can support resilience and joy
- What queer organisations should do differently
Will it be confidential?
The focus groups will take place in a group setting, so other participants will know who has attended. However, participants can use a pseudonym and do not need to share personal details they would prefer to keep private.
When the research is written up, names and identifying details will be removed and will avoid including detailed descriptions that could make someone recognisable.
Limits to confidentiality: If a safeguarding or serious wellbeing concern arises, information may need to be shared in line with UCL safeguarding responsibilities.
Support and accessibility
The topics discussed may include experiences of discrimination, exclusion, mental health, body dysphoria or other sensitive issues. Participants do not have to answer any question and can leave the focus group at any time.
For the in-person session, a quiet decompression space will be available. For the online session, a separate breakout space can be used if someone needs time away from the main discussion.
Participants will receive further information before taking part, including details about accessibility, consent, privacy and what to expect.
About the researcher
The project is being led by Lisa Paris (she/they), a postgraduate student at UCL’s Institute of Education studying Social Justice and Education.
Lisa’s research interests focus on gender, race, community learning and intersecting forms of marginalisation within queer spaces. The project has been shaped through ongoing conversations and community involvement with trans+ people from a range of racialised backgrounds.
The research is not intended to speak for trans+ Global Majority people, but to create space for participants to share their own experiences and perspectives in their own words.
Trans people have been involved throughout the development of the project, including advising on terminology, accessibility and community engagement. A trans researcher volunteer from GIRES will also help facilitate the focus groups alongside Lisa.
Why is GIRES supporting this project?
GIRES supports research that helps improve understanding of trans+ lives and strengthens the evidence base for better support, inclusion and policy.
This project is important because trans+ people from the global majority are too often underrepresented in both research and community decision-making. Their experiences are frequently discussed through narrow, medicalised or predominantly white frameworks, rather than being understood in their full social, cultural and community context.
By supporting this project, GIRES hopes to help amplify the voices of trans+ global majority people and contribute to practical learning that queer organisations can use to improve their spaces.
How to express interest
To find out more or express interest in taking part, please complete the short expression of interest form here:
Supporting Global Majority Trans+ People: Community Learning and Youth Experience – Expression of interest form
You can also contact Lisa directly with any questions:
Note: Completing the form does not commit you to taking part. Lisa will send further information before you decide whether you would like to join a focus group.
How to support the research project
GIRES and UCL would welcome support from trans, LGBTQ+ and community organisations in helping share this research opportunity with people who may be interested in taking part.
If your organisation runs in-person meetings, support groups or community events, you can download and display the A4 poster at your venue or meeting space.
We have also created a social media graphic that anyone can share on social media, WhatsApp groups or in email newsletters to help reach more people.
Downloads
- [Download the PNG social media graphic below, by clicking and saving image]
