ABSTRACT

Researchers exploring sensitive topics need to identify appropriate methodologies to encourage open expression. We used poetic inquiry to explore the lived realities of transwomen in Namibia, a socially marginalised group globally. We conducted two focus group discussions with 15 transwomen and developed found poems. The poems captured issues of identity and belonging and illustrated the transwomen’s journeys of self-acceptance, experiences of violence, rejection, agency and relationships. In order to enhance participant voice and enrich the poems, they were shared with some transwomen in a feedback and reflection session. This article unpacks this collaborative poetics approach. We share selected poems, explore their impact on participants, and discuss how this engagement with the poetry allowed for deeper discussion of participants’ experiences. The collaboration around the poems allowed researchers and participants to find new ways to explore and address issues of discrimination and marginalization, and to actively engage larger and more diverse audiences.

摘要

探索敏感话题的研究人员需要确定适当的方法来鼓励公开表达。我们用诗意的探究来探索纳米比亚跨性别女性的生活现实，纳米比亚是一个全球社会边缘化的群体。我们与 15 位跨性别女性进行了两次焦点小组讨论，并开发了诗歌。这些诗抓住了身份和归属感的问题，并说明了跨性别女性的自我接纳、暴力经历、拒绝、代理和关系的旅程。为了增强参与者的声音并丰富诗歌，他们在反馈和反思环节与一些跨性别女性分享。本文解开这种协作诗学方法。我们分享精选的诗歌，探索它们对参与者的影响，并讨论这种与诗歌的互动如何让参与者更深入地讨论他们的经历。