If not us, then who? QTBIPOC graduate student researchers’ experiences researching QTBIPOC communities

• Published in: Journal of diversity in higher education
• Main Authors: Dua, Vardaan, Szymanski, Dawn M., Gonzalez, Kirsten A., Arora, Saumya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Educational Publishing Foundation 10-10-2024
• Subjects: Black People; Communities; Experiences (Events); Female; Graduate Students; Human; Indigenous Populations; LGBTQ; Male; Oppression; People of Color
• ISSN: 1938-8926; 1938-8934
• DOI: 10.1037/dhe0000621

The experiences of minoritized graduate student researchers continue to be an emerging area of research. In particular, literature remains scarce for those graduate student researchers who identify as queer and/or trans and Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (QTBIPOC). Utilizing semistructured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis, in the present study, we explored the experiences of 20 QTBIPOC graduate student researchers who conduct QTBIPOC research. Specifically, we examined their process of researching their own communities/identities and navigating academic structures. Results revealed five thematic patterns, including (a) recognizing, resisting, and reforming systemic oppression within academia; (b) encountering interpersonal oppression within academic contexts; (c) personal well-being and the role of QTBIPOC research; (d) relations among one’s personal identities and engagement in QTBIPOC research; and (e) navigating interpersonal relationships, identity disclosure, and community dynamics. Findings help highlight the psychological, interpersonal, and professional experiences endured by QTBIPOC graduate student researchers. Discussion highlights reflections for QTBIPOC graduate student researchers and outlines suggestions for research advisors, training programs, and academic systems to support and empower QTBIPOC graduate student researchers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)