Understanding the Needs of Two-Spirit People for Safer Research Practices: A Community-Led Approach

Research with Two-Spirit people is necessary to accurately represent their voices and design services that effectively meet their needs, but participation barriers exist due to a distrust of researchers, feelings of not belonging, and others. Some barriers to participating in research may be mitigated by creating safer research opportunities and positive experiences for participants by applying a trauma and violence-informed approach. To better understand how a trauma and violence-informed approach can be applied to research, this study was developed using a community-led, qualitative approach. Research questions explored: 1) What are the experiences of Two-Spirit people who participate in research? and, 2) How can researchers design and conduct trauma and violence-informed research with Two-Spirit people? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who self-identified as Indigenous and Two-Spirit/LGBTQQIA+. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach to reflexive thematic analysis, while applying the frameworks of Two-Eyed Seeing and ethical space. A total of 11 participants completed interviews. Through analysis, three themes were realized, including: 1) the relational imperative: reciprocity in research; 2) intersectional understanding: a necessity for safer research; and 3) research that centres Two-Spirit people. Participants emphasized the necessity of a community-engaged approach to research that is inclusive of Two-Spirit people. Researchers involved in this work require an intersectional understanding of the lived realities of Two-Spirit people including colonization as well as experiencing homophobia and transphobia, and a relational approach to research is necessary to create trust and rapport to enable a safe place for research to take place. Researchers conducting studies involving Two-Spirit people should collaborate with members of the community, not only those who identify as Indigenous. Further understanding is required to equip researchers to design and conduct trauma-informed research with Indigenous Two-Spirit/LGBTQQIA+ people, to illuminate practical applications of trauma and violence-informed care to research practices.