LGBTQI+ Futures
Workshops
Envisioning a future where LGBTQI+ wellbeing and lives can flourish
What is this research about?
LGBTQI+ Futures is a European study researching the wellbeing of young adults, and how they navigate and imagine collective futures in a time of crisis.
We will be working with LGBTQI+ young adults across the UK, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland using creative and discursive activities to think about how we live our lives, and what needs to change in order for LGBTQI+ young adults to be able to live good lives now and into the future.
As a team of queer, feminist, and trans researchers, we believe it is more important than ever to make sure that LGBTQI+ people are at the centre of research about wellbeing – that organisations and policy makers are listening to our lived experiences, and that we make space for discussions of resilience, resistance, hope and joy.
FAQs and Workshop Information
-
We are looking for LGBTQI+ people aged 18-24, living in England or Wales, to take part in this research. We will be holding workshops in different regions as well as one online.
We’d love to hear from everyone. We are looking to hear from a diverse range of people, particularly those whose voices/experiences are often marginalised in academic research on LGBTQI+ lives: trans people, disabled, working class and racially marginalised queers, and LGBTQI+ people who live in rural areas/small towns.
You do not have to be ‘out’ to participate in this research as it can be totally confidential.
-
May 30th & 31st: Newcastle (and the North East)
June 20th & 21st: Devon (and the South West)
July 26th & August 9th: London (& South East)
August: Online (Tuesday evenings)
The in person workshops will take place across two weekend days in each place. The approximate timings will be from 10am - 4pm, with time for lunch (provided). You would need to be able to attend both days.
We can provide transport costs and possibly accommodation too, if you live in the surrounding areas.
The online workshop will take place on Tuesday evenings in August, with each session lasting 1.5-2hrs.
-
Participation will involve two group workshops, where we’ll cover a variety of topics around wellbeing and how you are thinking about and navigating the future, personally and collectively. We’ll talk about: who and what have shaped your wellbeing in your life so far; what kind of future you imagine, want, or hope for yourself; and create collective stories about possible futures where LGBTQI+ lives can flourish.
The workshops will involve a mixture of group discussion and creative activities. For instance we might do mindmapping in groups about our histories and wellbeing in the past; make individual collages about our future hopes and fears; and finish by creating a collective digital story or zine.
No prior experience in creative activities is necessary! There will always be options for involvement and you’ll only do what you’re comfortable with. There will be no pressure to do everything, or share what you make with everyone else.
We hope this workshops will be fun spaces where you’ll be able to meet and hear from other LGBTQI+ young adults.
-
All participants will receive a £120 voucher as a small token of appreciation for their time.
There is also the possibility to be involved in the research as a ‘peer researcher’, with opportunities to develop your research, presentation, and creative skills. We’ll have individual conversations with you if there are any skills you’d like to use or develop throughout the workshops.
These workshops are an opportunity for LGBTQI+ young adults to have a voice and a say in the decisions that are being made about them and their wellbeing. We will also be connecting with young people across Europe, so you will also be able to hear more about their lives and share your experiences with them.
If you need to travel to the workshop we will pay for your costs and will provide lunch and snacks on the day!
-
The in-person workshops will take place in a room that is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop.
We will check in with you before and during the workshops about any accessibility needs, as well as to work with you to make participation as comfortable and easy as possible!
We will also give you as much information as possible about what to expect on the day so you are prepared.
At the beginning of the workshops we will develop guidelines as a group for how we will create a space that works for everyone.
If you would be unable to participate in an in person workshop we encourage you to apply for the online one.
-
Your participation in this research would be fully confidential and your data will be protected.
The only reason you would not is if i.e. you chose to co-write an article with us or be more involved as a public-facing ‘peer researcher’. We will discuss this option with you further.
This project has been ethically approved by the School of Geography and Planning at the University of Sheffield.
-
We anticipate there will be a few different next steps for the research, and we will talk more about this before and after the workshops. There will also be the opportunity for you to get involved with them as a ‘peer researcher’ too - so if there is any aspect of this you’re particularly interested in you should let us know!
The outcomes of and ways we use the the research findings might include:
Conferences, in person and online, as well as a chance for participants from each country to meet and discuss their experience/findings
Policy papers, briefings, and toolkits on LGBTQI+ youth wellbeing, on a national and European level
Toolkits and educational resources for LGBTQI+ youth charities, NGOs, service providers, and grassroots organisations
Public engagement including podcasts, expanding this website, and possibly an exhibition too
Research journal papers and book chapters
-
Go to the bottom of this page where there is a link you can follow to our sign up form! More information also found through that link and on the rest of the website.
Need more information, need the form in a different format, or some assistance filling it in? Contact Ames: ames.clark@sheffield.ac.uk
Who is leading this project?
The UK team consists of Dr Eleanor Wilkinson (she/her), Dr Ames Clark (they/them), and Christopher Outlaw (he/him). We are all researchers from the University of Sheffield.
Ames is a research associate at the University of Sheffield. Their research has explored community care practices, queer housing justice, and solidarity movements across the UK. They live in London with a (slightly evil) cat, and are involved in trans community organising. They also love playing rugby and knitting.
Eleanor is a Senior Research Fellow in Human Geography at the University of Sheffield where also co-directs the Sheffield Gender Research Network. Her research has explored queer networks of care in mid-to-later life, and housing insecurity in young adulthood. As a geographer, she’s interested in how space and place shape our access to queer networks of friendship and support.
Christopher is a PhD student at the University of Sheffield, but is originally from Devon. HIs research explores queer migrants’ experiences of urban space and sense of belonging in two cities in Colombia, South America. Outside of academia, he is involved with LGBTQI+ charities and community networks. He enjoys birdwatching and singing in choirs.