Queering Methodologies: Challenging Scientific Constraint in the Appreciation of Queer and Trans Subjects

Authors

Joshua M. Ferguson, University of British ColumbiaFollow

Abstract

Qualitative studies require a queer perspective to challenge stagnant forms of scientific discourse. This paper argues for a deconstruction of hegemonic qualitative practices in order to appreciate and listen to queer and trans subjects when employing qualitative research and methodologies. I focus on qualitative methods from an audiovisual perspective to suggest that there is scientific constraint in the way researchers still approach qualitative methodologies. I propose some foundations for thinking about queer qualitative methods that employs queer theory in relation to a self - reflexive creative perspective towards ethics, research and representation. Moreover, I critically analyze the HBO trans documentary, Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She (Antony Thomas 2005), in order to move beyond complacent documentaries that employ interviews as a way of categorizing and containing gender diversity. I work towards future methodological promises for the exploration of queer and trans subjects. Further, this paper challenges the problems of imposing binary - based categories that not only obscure thorough understandings of gender but also perpetuate social injustice.

Keywords

qualitative research

Publication Date

4-1-2013

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2013.1539

Recommended APA Citation

Ferguson, J. M. (2013). Queering Methodologies: Challenging Scientific Constraint in the Appreciation of Queer and Trans Subjects. The Qualitative Report, 18(13), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2013.1539