Picture This: Exploring LGBTQ+ College Student Experiences Through the Use of Photovoice

Overview: This workshop will include education and interactive conversation focused on how to use Photovoice as a methodology to amplify LGBTQ+ student voices on college campuses. Discussion will also include guidance on creating inclusive and equitable research environments for LGBTQ+ students to learn and thrive, while promoting social justice.Proposal text: One of the primary roles of social work is to promote human rights, such as the right to safety and the right to an education, at the individual and systemic levels (2015 EPAS, CSWE). Through its Guidelines for Affirmative Social Work Education for both LGBQQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning) and TGNC (transgender and gendar nonconforming) students, faculty, and staff, the CSWE Council on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (CSOGIE) in 2016 outlined guidance for creating educational environments that are affirming of all identities. These guidelines encourage social work programs to work toward inclusion and equity, not only internally, but also more broadly in their colleges and universities. Craig et al. (2016) states, “Social work schools and departments must ensure that the environment for LBBQQ students, staff, and faculty provides a space where diverse sexual identities are not only accepted but also affirmed” (p. 10).
Though schools of social work have made great strides in inclusive and affirmative education for LGBTQ+ students, college students report discrimination and harassment at rates higher than their heterosexual/cisgender peers and are more likely to consider leaving their institutions than their peers (Bardhoshi et al., 2017; Rankin, 2010; Woodford et. al, 2017)). Schools of social work have a critical role to play in promoting safe and affirming educational environments and are well positioned to advocate for their realization.
This interactive workshop will share the experience of two social work educators utilizing the Photovoice methodology to promote visibility, understanding, equal rights, and institutional change regarding the experiences of LGBTQ+ students on their campuses- one public and rural, the other private and religiously-affiliated. Photovoice is a community-based participatory research method based in critical education and feminist theory (Breny & McMorrow, 2021; Wang & Burris, 1997). It utilizes a group process of photographing and processing lived experiences with a given population or social problem. It is a participatory method, in which participants are co-researchers, helping to shape the research process. Photovoice groups typically culminate in a public gallery, where participant photographs and captions are displayed for supporters and key stakeholders, with the aim of promoting social change.
Presenters will briefly describe the literature on LGBTQ+ students, including the specific experiences of those on rural or religiously-affiliated campuses. We will then provide an overview of the Photovoice methodology and discuss its utility for this topic. We will discuss several areas for thoughtful consideration when implementing Photovoice, such as recruitment, confidentiality, compensation, and goals for change.
The second half of the workshop will shift attention to workshop participants and potential applications for photovoice in their settings. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a guided photovoice activity, taking a photo in response to a prompt, then sharing and discussing their photo in a small group. Finally, participants will reflect on potential uses for photovoice on their campuses, anticipated barriers, and opportunities for advocacy.