Community Ethnographers in Participatory Research: Intersecting Vulnerabilities Within Minoritized Racial, Gender, and Sexual Communities

This case study discusses the practical application of a participatory approach in ethnographic research with vulnerable communities, emphasizing the importance of actively engaging and collaborating with communities under research. It focuses on the role of Community Ethnographers, community members who participate in ethnographic projects as partners, collaborating on the design, execution, and analysis of research within their communities. This case study explores the use of participant observation and focus groups as methods for investigating sensitive social and cultural issues. It is based on participatory ethnographic research conducted by the first author (Vasquez del Aguila, 2018), which explored the experiences of young minoritized Black and Latinx, gender and sexual communities (YMBLGS) in New York City and the intersecting vulnerabilities that left them particularly susceptible to HIV infection. Led by participatory research principles, this research engaged community members as Community Ethnographers, whose unique positionality enhanced the impact of participant observation through culturally informed insights and community connections. To address emerging limitations during data analysis, the research approach was adapted to introduce focus groups as a means of deeper engagement. This case study discusses ethical issues in participatory research, such as navigating multiple positionalities, contending with power-dynamics, and ensuring confidentiality while conducting research in public spaces. It also reflects on concepts of reflexivity, decoloniality, and intersectionality that informed and framed the research. This case study highlights the potential of participatory ethnography as a powerful tool for community empowerment and social justice, and reflects on the importance of inclusive research methods, ethical considerations, and community collaboration for future research.