getting to know you: session 1
Our LGBTQ+ gynae project kicked off this week with an online ‘getting to know’ you session with myself and Alex, Sarah-Jane, Sarah, Paula, Anastasia, Kate and Anna. It was a warm and lively start with everyone sharing their pronouns, location and a story about themselves based on an object or photography they shared on screen. It feels like this part of the R&D is slightly fast-tracked - but that’s because the majority of the group already know each other from the ‘Whose Menopause? project. I’ve been worried that bringing two new people into the group will make it hard for everyone to adjust - so having this time together was really important. We also watched some pre-recorded videos made by the three Wellcome Collection staff members who are working on this project with me (and who’ve supported my work over the summer with the R&D). It was important that the Wellcome team recorded their own introductions for me to share with the group in this session, as I felt it would help build trust and reinforce the collaborative nature of the project. They shared their own photos/objects and gave an insight into their personal lives.
The field notes I’m writing across the project will include the process we’re using to ensure inclusion across the group. For example, one of the group members is a trans-man and stealth, so extra consideration is being built in at every stage to ensure his identity is not breached. In the online sessions, this means ensuring his voice is slightly adjusted (by himself) and his camera is obviously off.
Agreeing how we want to work together
Our first session was also an opportunity to establish the project’s boundaries and expectations. We agreed a list of ways that we’ll work together (and how we’d like the Wellcome Collection to work with us): these are listed below. Although it often feels a bit formal to do this, these guidelines will ensure that our discussions are conducted thoughtfully, respectfully and inclusively.
All opinions are valid/respect everyone’s viewpoints as we may have different lived experiences or ideas
Be mindful of letting others speak – self-awareness, active listening etc.
Correct use of pronouns/feeling open to check clarification if unsure.
In the same way with Whose Menopause? we were careful to talk about ‘people’ experiencing menopause, we should respect that not everyone in the group identifies as a woman, which can often the default when talking about gynae healthcare.
Collectively develop a space where open conversations on intimacy, sex and pleasure are encouraged and respected, whilst acknowledging that we may have different preferences, sexual experiences, and relationship styles.
Embrace and acknowledge the unique perspectives that each person brings, including the overlaps and interconnectedness of identities, protected characteristics or content (e.g. where ethnicity meets sexuality or where gynae healthcare meets pleasure).
Support and encourage each other.
Confidentiality – keep stories shared within the group i.e. we can share our own experiences but we shouldn’t share other people’s experiences outside of the group unless permission has been given.
Everyone has agency to walk away/have a breather at any point if triggered/need space - no questions asked.
The session was an opportunity to recap on the project aims and purpose. We also briefly talked through logistics for the next two R&D workshops so that the group felt reassured and able to ask any questions before meeting the Wellcome Collection team.
Final two R&D sessions
We’ve got two structured R&D sessions before Christmas, designed to understand the interests of the group and to begin sharing our reactions and ideas in response to the archive materials.
Onboarding and exploration with the Wellcome Collection team (December, online): This will essentially be a ‘teaser’ to showcase a variety of themes and materials in the collection related to gynae which the Wellcome team and I have uncovered over the last few weeks. We’ll share initial examples of items to pique interest and also to help the group decide on the specific themes or topics they want to explore further. We’ll then take this as a lead to shape the session in London.
In-person session at the Wellcome Collection (December, London): Building on the insights from our onboarding session, we’ll meet in person at the Wellcome Library in London for a day together. This visit will allow everyone to engage first hand with a curated selection of objects from the collection that align with the chosen themes. The aim is to spark discussions, enhance future object interpretation and storytelling by the Wellcome, and inspire creative photographic ideas for a second phase of work early next year. This workshop is an important opportunity to talk through the historical story of gynae and its present-day implications based on the lived experience of group members.
Image on preview: A gynaecological physician seducing a patient. Colour lithograph, 1852. Wellcome Collection. Source: Wellcome Collection.
This participatory research and socially engaged project is being delivered in collaboration with the Wellcome Collection.