[Last modified: December, 5 2024 08:53 PM]
My research on the post-COVID experiences of Chinese queer immigrants is deeply shaped by my own identity and personal experiences. As a queer Chinese researcher, I occupy a dual role as both an insider and an outsider in this field. On one hand, I share cultural and linguistic commonalities with my participants, which helps establish trust and mutual understanding. This shared background often grants me access to hidden networks and sensitive discussions. On the other hand, my position as a researcher based in an academic institution in the UK places me in a position of privilege, creating a certain distance from the lived realities of my participants. This distance compels me to remain critically aware of my positionality throughout the research process.
My own experiences have inevitably influenced my choice of research focus and perspective. For instance, my navigation of queer identity within a Chinese cultural context has shaped my interest in how queer immigrants construct their identities and relationships in new sociocultural environments. I have also experienced pressure from family as well as social and political background with the identity of a Chinese queer woman living in the UK. However, I recognize that my personal experiences cannot capture the diversity of realities faced by my participants. For example, individuals who migrated under different circumstances or identify differently within the LGBTQ+ spectrum may provide narratives that challenge or expand my understanding. This diversity prompts me to approach my research with openness and a willingness to learn from perspectives that differ from my own.
This dual positionality requires a careful balance between empathy and self-awareness. Collaborating with organizations such as QueerChinaUK has highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives for marginalized groups. However, I must remain cautious not to impose my interpretations or project my own experiences onto the narratives of others. My role is to amplify their voices rather than overwrite them with my assumptions.
Reflexivity, therefore, is a critical tool for navigating this complexity. By critically reflecting on how my background, biases, and positionality influence my research methods, I strive to create a framework that centers the lived experiences of my participants. This involves designing inclusive research questions, maintaining emotional awareness during fieldwork, and adapting my methodology as my understanding evolves. Ultimately, my goal is to conduct research that is both academically rigorous and deeply respectful of the community I seek to represent.