Performance Pedagogies in Suicide Prevention Research: (Re)Presenting Queerness in Indigenous Communities

Background and Purpose:  

Current research and theoretical models addressing suicide among Indigenous young people do not account for historical trauma, the history of colonization, or its impact on the mental health and well-being of the youth.  Native Hawaiian youth are reported to be at highest risk for suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts compared to non-Hawaiian youth in Hawai`i, and are considered to be among the highest risk for suicide in the United States. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth also face numerous negative health outcomes including depression, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and are up to three times higher risk for suicide. Little is known about LGBTQ Native Hawaiian youth, but existing research demonstrates high levels of bullying, cyberbullying, substance abuse and depression which are all considered to be risk factors for suicidality.

Performance methodologies are increasingly used to center Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous voices in each stage of the research-- from developing research questions, to coding processes, to dissemination. Using poetic transcription to capture the cadence, soundscapes, and emotionality of the interviews, this study presents a unique, culture-centered lens on the risks and resiliency of LGBTQ Native Hawaiian youth. Presented through a dialogic performance, audience members and researchers will reflect on themes, challenges, and implications for research and practice in the field. Social workers are in need of approaches to prevention and intervention that respond to the unique risks that LGBTQ Indigenous youth experience and that build upon the strengths and protective factors of this community. Understanding the perspectives of Native Hawaiian and LGBTQ Native Hawaiian adults will help us better develop and evaluate prevention and intervention programs with Native Hawaiian and LGBTQ Native Hawaiian youth.

Methodology:

Researcher will use performance methodologies to present this qualitative phenomenology on queer Indigenous identities through the words of the respondents (n = 6). The primary research question was “What is the impact of colonization on LGBTQ Native Hawaiian suicidality?” and was answered by adults from the Native Hawaiian and LGBTQ Native Hawaiian community. Themes of risk, rites, and resistance emerged through multiple iterations of coding, and will frame the discussion. Race/ethnicity, connections to Christianity, and mental health and wellness—specifically depression, suicidality, and “out-ness,” will also be explored. Social work researchers will examine the use of performance as an Indigenous methodology, and will discuss the applications to both practice and research.

Pedagogical techniques:

Using performance as pedagogy, this workshop will examine perspectives on LGBTQ suicidality in Indigenous communities. The use of performance-based methodologies throughout the stages of research— including data collection, analysis, and dissemination will be discussed. Implications for future performance-based research will be discussed.

Objectives:

1)      Participants will engage in a dialogic performance about LGBTQ Indigenous identity and suicidality;

2)      Participants will reflect on risks and resiliency as they listen to the unique challenges and powerful acts of resistance described by members of this community;

3)      Participants will examine multiple approaches to performance as pedagogical techniques applicable to social work research with diverse populations.