LGBT+ Social Drinker? Aged 45 or over?
If you would be interested in taking part in a research project exploring the social drinking practices of older LGBT+ people, please read on.
As a social researcher, I’m interested in social interactions and how people’s lives and activities (or practices) are shaped by what goes on around them. I’m particularly interested in older LGBT+ people’s drinking practices because researchers know less about them, but also because we have seen a lot of change over the past 20 years, including improvements in equality, loss of scene venues for various reasons and changes in drinking patterns.
However, despite advancements in equality and improved attitudes towards LGBT+ people, research findings suggest that some LGBT+ people still prefer to socialise in LGBT+ venues and see them as safe spaces. The places in which people feel most comfortable may differ by generation and may affect their social practices differently, including where they drink.
The aim of the Rainbow OPTICS study is to find out more about older LGBT+ people’s social drinking practices; where, when, why and with whom they drink alcohol, and to hear about their views and experiences; now and in the past. The study will compare drinking practices in different settings and seeks to understand how cultural and societal changes influence practices across the life-course.
How to take part
Join a focus group:
You will be asked to talk about the different types of places that people drink and discuss how different changes have affected the drinking practices of LGBT+ people. You will receive a £10 gift voucher for taking part and be eligible to receive up to £10 to help cover travel costs in attending the group.
Take part in a diary-interview:
I am looking for people to write about the times they have a drink over a 4-week period in a specially provided diary. This does not mean you have to write every day, only if you have one or more drinks that day, and it’s up to you what you write and in what style. There is no need to worry about how well you write, your spelling or grammar, I’m just interested in what you have to say. You will then meet with me at the end of the 4 weeks to talk about your experiences in an interview. Participants will receive a £20 gift voucher for taking part on completion of the interview.
To find out more and to register to take part, CLICK HERE Rainbow OPTICS or you can call or text Frances on 07950 347357 or email at f.a.sanders@surrey.ac.uk
