You are invited to participate in a research study about the experiences and needs of LGBTQIA+ identified persons living in or around Richmond and the provider perception of the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. The study is being conducted to inform the potential development of services, programs and resources for the LGBTQIA+ community. Your participation is voluntary. You can choose to participate in more than one part of the study (e.g., survey and focus group). You may decide not to participate in this study. If you do participate, you may withdraw from the study at any time.
There are several ways you may participate in this study:
Participate in the Survey: Richmond LGBTQIA+ Community Needs & Opportunities Assessment
You will be asked to complete an online survey and respond to a series of questions about the experiences, needs, and services available for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Richmond area. We will not ask for your name or contact information. The survey is available for LGBTQIA+ identified respondents in the Greater Richmond area age 18 and older.
Participate in a Focus Group
Be part of a focus group of people who will discuss and respond to a series of questions about experiences and needs of Latinx, African American, senior, youth, or transgender members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Richmond area. A focus group is a facilitated discussion with a group of people who are asked to consider and respond to a series of questions on a specific topic. In this study, you will go to a group meeting, lasting about one hour. In the meeting, you will be in a group with 5 to 12 other members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In each meeting you will be asked to talk about things like experiences in the community, the kinds of support that you receive, needs that you see for LGBTQIA+ community and places where you feel safe. We will record your voice during the meetings so we are sure to get everyone’s ideas. We will not record your name. To participate in a focus group, please contact Dr. Eli Coston at [email protected].
Individual Interviews
If you are not comfortable participating in the focus group or would like to share more detailed experiences than are available through the Needs Assessment Survey, you are invited to take part in an individual interview and respond to a series of questions about the experiences, needs, and services available for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Richmond area. Please contact Dr. Eli Coston at [email protected] to schedule an interview.
Survey for Service Providers to LGBTQIA+ Clients
You will complete an online survey and respond to a series of questions about the experiences, needs, and services available for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Richmond area. We will not ask for your name or contact information. We will ask about the types of services that you and your organization provide.
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this study now or in the future, please contact Dr. Eli Coston, (804) 404-3179, [email protected].
Project Sponsors: Richmond Memorial Health Foundation and the Laughing Gull Foundation