Community-Based Participatory Research with Invisible, Geographically-Dispersed Communities: Partnering with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Communities on the California Central Coast

Abstract

This article reports on the community-based participatory research (CBPR) process of a 3.5-year studydocumenting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community members’ perceptions oflocal LGBTQ communities on the Central Coast of California. This three-phase study consisted of online andpaper-and-pen surveys to analyze community strengths, challenges, priorities, and feelings of connection;collaborative interpretation of survey results through community forums; and a regional “LGBTQ Summit” toenvision and initiate data-based actions to address community priorities. The focus throughout the project wason establishing collaborative partnerships to plan and guide the project, cultivating community participationin interpreting and disseminating findings, and honoring diverse LGBTQ community members’ voicesthrough data-driven community action. This article documents lessons learned about building and facilitatingcommunity-university partnerships, organizing and maintaining a sustained community research collaborative,engaging community participation, and ultimately, creating lasting, community-driven interventions.