Study title in simple English Narratives of gender nonconforming gay men.
My name is xxxxxxxxxx and I am a trainee clinical psychologist at Salomons, Canterbury Christ Church University. I would like to invite you to take part in a research study. Before you decide it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you.
Talk to others about the study if you wish.
(Part 1 tells you the purpose of this study and what will happen to you if you take part.
Part 2 gives you more detailed information about the conduct of the study).
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of this study is to explore your experiences as a gay man who self-defines as non-masculine. I want to hear the story of how you came to this self-definition, and what it means to you. I’m interested to hear if being non-masculine is something that seems quite fixed, or if it varies in different situations and why that may be. I’d like to hear your view of society’s gender-role values, and how you relate to these, and similarly gender-role values within the gay community. Capturing your accounts of challenges and strengths in your life related to your gender-role is another important aspect of the study.
Why have I been invited?
I aim to interview gay males who self-define as non-masculine. This is the population the study is interested in. I will interview all of you in the same way.
Do I have to take part?
It is up to you to decide to join the study. If you agree to take part, I will then ask you to sign a consent form. You are free to withdraw at any time, without giving a reason. You may also request a break during the interview if you wish.
What will happen to me if I take part?
You will be interviewed by me. This will last from an hour to 90 minutes.
This interview will take place in a pre-arranged meeting room.
The interview will be audio-recorded.
There may be a need for a follow up interview at a later date, which would be optional – by taking part you would not be committing yourself to do this as well.
Expenses and payments
Travel expenses can be reimbursed to a maximum amount of £10.
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
You may find the interview uncomfortable in places, particularly if discussing more difficult periods in your life. You have no obligation to complete the interview if you find this too
distressing. You are also able to take a break during the interview if you feel this would be helpful.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
This study may help increase understanding of the different experiences of gay men who view themselves as non-masculine, including difficulties and ways of coping.
What if there is a problem?
Any complaint about the way you have been dealt with during the study or any possible harm you might suffer will be addressed. If difficult feelings are stirred up by the interview, we will discuss these as part of a debrief. Helpline and support group details will also be provided, should further input be needed.
This completes part 1.
If the information in Part 1 has interested you and you are considering participation, please read the additional information in Part 2 before making any decision.
Part 2 of the information sheet
What will happen if I don’t want to carry on with the study?
If you withdraw from the study, we would like to use the data collected up to your withdrawal.
If you do not wish for this information to be used, you can request this data be omitted from the study.
Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?
Audio recordings will be stored securely and destroyed after they are transcribed.
Transcripts of the recording will be anonymised. You will not be identifiable in the research write-up. The data will be stored securely for 10 years.
PLEASE NOTE: Audio recording will begin from just before we meet for interview. This is to protect both your and my safety.
What will happen to the results of the research study?
The research may be published in a journal. As stated, your input will be anonymised, but quotes from the interview may be used, if they capture a point well. Names of places and other people mentioned will also be anonymised, to protect your identity. Anonymised interview data is also likely to be shared by the project supervisors, XXXXXX and XXXXX.
Who is organising and funding the research?
Funding is provided by Canterbury Christ Church University (CCU). I am also receiving input from supervisors both at XXXXX and XXXXXXX.
Who has reviewed the study?
This study has been reviewed and given favourable opinion by Canterbury Christ Church University Research Ethics Committee.
Further information and contact details
Should you have any further questions or concerns about this research please feel free to contact me on XXXXXXXXXXX. Alternatively a message can be left on the research
department voicemail on XXXXXXX, please ensure that you state your name, contact details and specify that your message is regarding XXXXXXX research project.
Should you wish to make a complaint, this can be directed to XXXXXXXXXXat XXXXXXX or on XXXXXXXXX
Appendix G- Consent form (anonymised)