1. What change do you plan to introduce?
The Change I want to see is a better understanding of sexual minorities (LGBT), especially among college students in China. I want them to make an effort to get rid of the pressure of being different and sexual repression. You can even change oppression or express it in another way. That’s the kind of change I want to see.
2. Why is this change desirable?
- From the perspective of the social environment
In most countries in the world, LGBT is not included in the normal sex education system, and the relevant consultation has not been discussed.
It is conducive to cultivating social morality. Timely sex education and guidance can effectively prevent the occurrence of sexual crimes and other problems.
- From the perspective of identity and stigmatization
Youth discussed identity issues in a more positive than negative light.
For example, the idea that an LGBTQ identity was flexible was apparent in almost three-fourths of the groups. While a flexible identity may suggest instability or confusion, youth referred to it as a way to exercise control in how they self-identified and presented their sexual/gender identities to others.
The most frequently mentioned negative factor associated with an LGBTQ identity was feeling the need to hide it from others such as teachers and from the community in general (hiding an LGBTQ identity was also common in the family).
- From the perspective of physical and mental health
It is conducive to the prevention of sexual diseases. By strengthening sex education, we can take preventive measures and greatly reduce the incidence of sexual diseases and disorders.
It is conducive to physical and mental health. LGBTQ group is three times more likely to suffer from mental diseases such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder than the general public, which will affect their attitude towards physical health. 41% of transgender people have tried suicide after experiencing transgender fear, racial discrimination, and poor living conditions.
3. How will you evidence your background research?
To determine their professional field and research direction, find relevant theories and viewpoints to support the ideas and the feasibility of the research. Conducting primary research and secondary research when necessary, quantitative and qualitative analysis, Affinity Diagrams, case analysis method, interview relevant stakeholders and make some intervention.
4. Does your proposed change challenge you to move outside of your comfort zone?
This change was a great challenge and left my comfort zone
- Different subject areas
In the past, more study was in the field of art, but this change is not only a change in the subject field but also interdisciplinary knowledge to be explored
- Different learning and thinking styles
In the past, it was more about thinking and understanding basic knowledge. Now, it is more necessary to find evidence and intervention methods to confirm their ideas
- Different stakeholders
In the past, I paid more attention to creative and imaginative things, such as scripts, personas, and so on, which are relatively single, but now I pay more attention to some groups, organizations, and institutions, which are relatively diversified
5. Is there anything you find intimidating or frightening about the project? What would happen to you, if you conquered this fear?
1. minorities
Yes, first of all, this topic is very sensitive because this is a voice for minorities, it will inevitably be controversial and discussed if you conquered this fear. If I conquered this fear, I can let more minorities be concerned, not only with LGBTQ groups but also with other minorities. Secondly, let more people have an objective and correct understanding.
2. oppose the change
Some students are reluctant to speak up for themselves because it is too personal and they prefer to hide.
6. Does this proposal have the potential to become an MA project that provides an opportunity for deep learning and transformative change?
Research potential
Exactly, given the current media attention to bullying, now is a good time to advocate an anti-bullying policy that explicitly includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Countries around the world attach importance to adolescent sex education, which is a good time to popularize and understand sexual minorities.
Research limitations
Some viewpoints and theories have certain limitations on the research of the problem, which are relatively one-sided and can not represent a common feature, and the main evidence and data come from Asia, it was limited to one area and may not represent other geographical areas.