A PhD researcher at AUT University is carrying out research into the health and wellbeing of younger lesbians, hoping to address a gap in understanding and hopefully contribute to policy to meet their needs. Katie Palmer Du Preez says despite political gains towards equality for lgbt in New Zealand, inequality in health and social outcomes persists. “New Zealand and international evidence shows us that compared to heterosexual identified women, lesbians experience: higher rates of self-harm and suicide, physical and verbal assault, bullying and victimisation, depression, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, as well as more workplace discrimination and barriers to career progression,” she says. The researcher is looking for lesbians aged 18 to 24 who live in Auckland, Wellington or Hamilton in order to engage on their views and experiences around lesbian identity and health and wellbeing. “This study will address a gap in understanding of issues for young lesbian women that has been identified by researchers as well as the Ministry of Health and may contribute to policy which meets the needs of these women more effectively and enhances their health and wellbeing,” she says. Palmer Du Preez is herself a young lesbian, who says she is interested in teasing apart and questioning the influence of culture and society on our choices, thoughts, feelings and behaviours as well as how particular ideas play out in fields like health policy and practice. “My research is specifically guided by feminist, social constructionist, and discursive theory and practice, and so far tends to use qualitative methodologies – I value talking with people and engaging them in the research process and am passionate about issues of equity and representation,” she says. If you fit the criteria and would like to take part, email katie.palmerdupreez@aut.ac.nz or call her on 09 921 9999 ext 7640.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 20th June 2012 - 11:22am