We’ll be using a research method called photovoice for this project. In a photovoice project, individuals from a community are asked to take photographs that visually capture certain aspects of their lived experiences.
For this project, we’d like you to take photographs that represent your experiences as a trans person in three main areas:
- Employment
- Health Care
- Overall Community
Here are some questions to consider in each of the three areas we’d like you to focus on. Your photos do not need to address all of these questions. They are just offered to help you think about images you may like to capture and topics you may want to address in your photographs.
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What concerns or challenges do you experience with employment? How do you overcome those challenges?
When you apply for a job, do you have concerns about how your trans identity will be perceived?
If you are currently employed, are you open about your trans identity at work?
Why or why not?
Have you ever experienced prejudice or discrimination at your place of work because of your trans identity?
If so, how?
If not, what do you think makes your work environment accepting of trans people?
What could be done to improve employment opportunities for trans people in South Texas?
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What concerns or challenges do you experience with your personal health and access to health care? How do you overcome those challenges?
Do you feel doctors and health care providers in South Texas know how to effectively interact with and provide care for trans patients?
Why or why not?
Do you have concerns that your trans identity may affect the quality of medical care you receive?
If so, what are those concerns?
If not, what makes you feel confident in the quality of care you receive?
Are there unique health concerns for trans people living in South Texas?
What could be done to improve the quality of health for trans people in Texas?
Overall, do you feel like your community supports trans people?
Why or why not?
What are the greatest strengths of your community (if any) in supporting trans people?
What are the greatest weaknesses of your community (if any) in supporting trans people?
Do you feel safe as a trans person in your community?
Why or why not?
What changes would you like to see in your community to be more supportive of trans people?
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There are no right or wrong answers to these questions! Similarly, there are no right or wrong things to photograph. You are free to photograph whatever inspires you! You’ll have the opportunity to explain the meaning of your photographs later in the project, so don’t worry if the meaning of the photograph isn’t obvious.
For further guidance on the project along with example photos, please visit the "additional information" tab at the top of this page.