Erecting closets and outing ourselves: uncomfortable reflexivity and community‐based research

• DOI: 10.1002/jcop.20491
• Publication Date: 2011-12-12T16:22:23Z
• Authors: Sarah J. Reed; Robin Lin Miller; Nkiru Nnawulezi; Maria T. Valenti
• Keywords: Reflexivity; Socialization; Community psychology; Community Engagement; Community Building

Abstract Feminist scholars and community psychologists have argued that reflexivity is a necessary component to conducting socially conscious research. Reflexivity, however, rarely evident in psychology. In this article, we share the uncomfortable realities surfaced during community‐based research project which adapted implemented an HIV prevention intervention for young Black sexual minority women. We each describe how aspects of our identities, values, socialization affected engagement interactions with feelings towards participants. doing so, hope call attention messiness work, as well promote who are open self‐appraisal willing their least comfortable examples work diverse communities. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.