Who are the project organisers?
- Gordon Waitt is an Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong . He has published articles on sexual citizenship, the Sydney 2002 Gay Games and gay' tourism.
- Andrew Gorman-Murray is a PhD Candidate at the University of Macquarie . He has published articles on the importance of the home in maintaining gay' identities.
Who funded this project?
The University of Wollongong funded this project.
When and where will the interviews be conducted?
Interviews are conducted at time and place convenient to the participant. Interviews will be held from the 2nd of May to the 16th of May, 2005.
Will my identity be known to anyone if I participate?
No. Your anonymity will be assured. The interviews will be recorded and then always stored in a secure office at the University of Wollongong . No staff at the University of Wollongong will have access to participants' interviews. All transcripts will be coded with a false name. Confidentiality of the results will be maintained at all times. Results will be presented using made-up names.
Why participate in the project?
This project is aimed to provide information about the well being of males who identify as part of the gay/queer community who live in regional Australia . Through discussing ideas of home and the role of travel, the project will provide insights regarding the key concerns and issues they have in regards to being gay/queer in regional Australia .
How will my interview information be used?
The research that will be generated by the Home and Away project will benefit the GLBTI community as a whole by capturing a clearer understanding if there are places sexual minorities can call home in regional Australia . In doing so, the project hopes to guide the implementation of services that are more relevant and appropriate to GLBTI living in regional Australia . Your input thereby has the potential to influence the scope of what various service providers offer the queer community in regional Australia . Importantly, this project aims to help address the metropolitan bias that currently exists in understanding queerness in Australia .
What questions can I expect?
The interview will first ask a few questions about you, and then follow with a number of sections that include your:
- ideas of home,
- ideas of travel and,
- experiences of Sydney 's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
How long will the interview take?
The interview will take approximately 40 minutes to complete. The interview has a semi-structure. This means that the interview is like a conversation. This approach enables the participant to direct the conversation.
How can I obtain information about the survey results once they are completed?
The availability of the research reports will be advertised on the University of Wollongong website in the future.
What can I do if the interview raises any concerns?
If you would like to provide feedback about the Home and Away project you can do so by emailing gwaitt@uow.edu.au
Alternatively, if you have an ethical issue to raise concerning the Home and Away project, you can contact: The Ethics Liaison Officer, Human Ethics Committee, University of Wollongong , Wollongong , NSW, 2522. Phone 02-422 14457.
If after the interview any of the questions asked raise concerns we suggest you speak to one of the trained volunteer counselors at the Gay and Lesbian Telephone Counseling Service in your state or territory. All telephone services are anonymous, and calls to 1800 numbers do not appear on a phone bill. You can chat to someone about your feelings and they can answer any questions you might have. Australia-wide services are listed below. Alternately you can go to the gay and lesbian counseling community services directorywebsite at: http://www.glccs.org.au/
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