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Marginalised queer people’s use of dating apps

Project Code:  MQPUDA - 40177156

Project Description:

This project explores marginalised queer people’s experiences of dating apps in light of contemporary debates around gender and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, etc.) sexuality identities, and sex and body positivity. The work brings together expertise in social science research (media studies, gender studies, linguistics) and sexual health research to study, and provide interventions for, issues faced by marginalised queer people. Through interviews with LGBTQ+ users of dating apps and the analysis of a range of relevant (social) media texts, the project will develop 1) insights into marginalised queer people’s experiences of digital dating cultures and 2) a set of online resources and creative interventions that address the social, sexual, and (mental) health and wellbeing concerns of marginalised queer people with respect to dating and their lives more broadly.

Anticipated Research Findings:

  • A better understanding of the lives of marginalised queer people focused through the lens of digital dating culture
  • An up-to-date review of current academic work on digital dating cultures, and body and sex positivity in the social and health and life sciences
  • A better understanding of the media landscape around marginalised queer identities based empirically in the testimonies of individuals from these communities themselves as well as through thorough analysis of media about these people

Anticipated contributions to knowledge:

  • The work intends to generate a range of innovative educational resources and creative interventions that respond to the social, sexual, and (mental) health and wellbeing concerns of marginalised queer people with respect to dating and their lives more broadly
  • The work intends to generate policy recommendations for a range of stakeholders (e.g. LGBTQ+ community, health organisations, charities, and NGOs; dating apps; government; educational institutions [HEIs and FE colleges]).

Contact (and Director of Studies for this project): Dr Mark McGlashan

Email: Mark.McGlashan@bcu.ac.uk

How to apply

To apply for this project, visit the 'How to Apply' section on the Media and Cultural Studies PhD course page.