Doing reflexive research with trans and non-binary communities: reflections from cis researchers

This presentation explores issues of reflexivity and knowledge production relating to cisgender (cis) researchers conducting qualitative research into trans and non-binary people’s experiences and identities. It analyses the benefits and limitations of insider and outsider positionality within the context of sensitive research. Central to the analysis is the acknowledgement of cis privilege and we argue for a reflexive engagement of the ways in which this may impact the researcher/researched relationship (as well as influencing research questions, design and methodology, and knowledge production). We examine cis privilege and positionality in relation to the process of producing new knowledge in our argument that foregrounds epistemic humility as an essential, reflexive process in ethical research practice. We emphasise the importance of inclusive, reflexive practice in social work research that has gender as a unit of analysis and speak to the recent literature which illustrates the lack of insight and understanding around trans and non-binary identities in different areas of social work practice.