Key considerations for conducting qualitative research with LGBTQ + youth

Abstract

Qualitative research involving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) youth must be sensitive to their exposure to stressors resulting from heteronormativity, cisnormativity, homophobia, and transphobia. This scoping review was conducted to explore unique methodological strategies for conducting qualitative data collection with LGBTQ + youth and identify any themes on facilitators and barriers to effective qualitative research involving these populations. Using seven EBSCO databases and the website ResearchRabbit, 149 studies were found, of which 30 were included in this review. This review revealed several key considerations for planning and conducting qualitative research with these populations, including alignment between theoretical framework and methodological approach, recruitment sites and strategies, interviewer positionality in relation to participants, parental consent for minor participation and protection of minor participants who may not be “out” to parents or adult caregivers, the site and setting of qualitative interviews, and innovative methodologies. Additionally, this review allowed for reflections on study limitations beyond the conventional non-generalizability disclaimers often used in qualitative research, providing useful insights for researchers conducting qualitative research with LGBTQ + youth and young adults.