Changing Ourselves, Changing the World: Assessing the Value of Participatory Action Research as an Empowerment-Based Research and Service Approach With LGBTQ Young People

Abstract

LGBTQ youth and emerging adults are a population for which little is understood with regard to the effectiveness of interventions and service approaches. This study explores the value of participatory action research (PAR) as an empowerment-based research and service approach with LGBTQ young people. Based on analysis of audio-recordings and reflections of a research team of LGBTQ young people between the ages of 18 and 24, the researcher identified primary aspects of PAR that align with empowerment at the individual, group, and community levels. Findings suggest that PAR offers a model that supports empowerment-based outcomes in research and service delivery.

KEYWORDS:

• emerging adults
• empowerment
• LGBTQ
• participatory action research
• services
• youth

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author acknowledges the young people who participated in this study, and the staff of one·n·ten, without whom this research would not have been possible.