Under my umbrella: LGBTQIA+ rights, LGBTQIA+ researchers and ‘internal allyship’

Abstract

In this article, we consider the ethical obligations that LGBTQIA+ researchers have in researching LGBTQIA+ rights. First, we consider the potential impact of identity and positionality. Although people of all LGBTQIA+ identities share common experiences of marginalisation and persecution, there is much diversity among LGBTQIA+ people and their many intersections. We then propose that LGBTQIA+ researchers should act as ‘internal allies’ when undertaking work related to LGBTQIA+ communities. The familiar concept of allyship imposes obligations which are dynamic, appropriate for the research context and align with community expectations. These obligations include self-education, consultation and platforming marginalised voices.