Research Project: How do trans* people engage with the requirements in the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and how does knowledge about this issue impact our current understanding of the legal consciousness of minority groups?
I am a PhD student in the Law Department at the University of Kent and am conducting a research project on people's experience and views of the Gender Recognition Act (GRA). I am interested in how people view the different requirements that you have to meet when applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), e.g. providing medical evidence and swearing to live in your gender for life. I have already conducted a pilot study and would like to expand my research to gain the widest range of opinions possible.
I am hoping to interview people at any state of their transition and at any point during the legal recognition process. It doesn't matter whether you obtained a GRC years ago, are in the process of applying for one, or are considering to apply in the future. Even if you have decided not to apply, your views on the GRA are important. At this stage I am particularly interested in the views of those who identify as men, trans men, trans masculine or genderqueer; but I welcome participants of any gender identity.
I am hoping to interview people at any state of their transition and at any point during the legal recognition process. It doesn't matter whether you obtained a GRC years ago, are in the process of applying for one, or are considering to apply in the future. Even if you have decided not to apply, your views on the GRA are important. At this stage I am particularly interested in the views of those who identify as men, trans men, trans masculine or genderqueer; but I welcome participants of any gender identity.
I would like to invite you to participate in this original research project. You should only participate if you want to; choosing not to take part will not disadvantage you in any way. Before you decide whether you want to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what your participation will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. If you want to take part or have any questions please contact me at F.Renz@kent.ac.uk .
Research Aims
The aim of the study is to try and understand how people engage with law, specifically the Gender Recognition Act (GRA), in their everyday life. Further it will consider how legal requirements such as the new requirement for spousal consent in the GRA affect the decision making process of people who are subject to it. This project will explore individual's engagement and understanding of law, specifically the Gender Recognition Act, in their everyday life. I seek to understand the strategies people use to resist, accept and respond to laws that attempt to shape not just their behaviour but also their identity.
Who is asked to participate?
You are being invited to take part in this study, as those who have engaged with the GRA or are considering doing so, are in the best position to offer insight into this topic, and explain how the GRA affects people in their everyday lives. Participants can live anywhere in the UK, can be any age and gender and can be at any stage of their transition. I am particularly interested in the views of those who identify as men, trans men, trans masculine or genderqueer; but welcome participants of any gender identity.
When and where will the study take place?
The study will take place via phone or skype at a time that is convenient to you.
How long will the study last?
The interview will be based around a semi structured interview pattern and will last approximately 1 hour.
What will you be asked to do?
You will be asked to participate in an open ended interview. You will be asked questions about your experience with the GRA, your decision making process as regards the GRA, and about some general biographical details. The interview will be recorded electronically, and later transcribed into text form.
Are there any risks involved in participating?
There are no foreseeable risks involved in participating in this research. If there are questions that you find distressing or intrusive, you are free to not answer those questions or to withdraw from participating in which case all data you have already provided will be destroyed.
Are there any benefits involved in participating?
At the conclusion of the project, you will be send a summary of the major findings and you will be alerted to any research publications that have been generated from the project.
Will the research be private and confidential?
As part of the presentation of results, your own words may be used in text form. This will be anonymised, so that you cannot be identified from what you said. Your information will be stored on password protected computers in locked offices and in locked file cabinets.
Please note that:
What if I have questions about the project?
Please contact Flora Renz by email at F.Renz@kent.ac.uk
It is up to you to decide whether to take part or not. If you decide to take part you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. If you do decide to take part you will be given a copy of this information sheet to keep and be asked to sign a consent form.
