Research at the University of Surrey relating to “Queering Shelter” is advancing understandings of ‘shelter’ by exploring a context where it is often missing in LGBTQ+ lives. LGBTQ+ people’s experiences and understandings of shelter and shelterlessness (broadly defined to include homelessness, domestic abuse and other forms of avoidable harm) is explored.

When conducting social research of this nature, the foundational principle in academic research of ‘do no harm’ becomes especially pertinent, (in fact, ‘do no harm’ seems to be the very lowest bar to be aiming for). This project aims to go beyond ‘do no harm’ and to actively foster community benefit over the course of the research process, by means of participatory arts practice. It acknowledges, however, that the institution of academia, rooted in Western and patriarchal systems of power, is not always well-equipped to recognise the importance of community-embedded and art-based approaches.

Drawing on de-colonial and feminist principles, this project delivered participatory arts activities that facilitate enjoyment, connection and meaning-making among community members – at each step of the way, not only at the final stages (tentatively termed ‘procedural impact’). The project explores new ways of thinking about research impact appropriately recognising the real, though sometimes less ‘objectively tangible’, benefits of co-produced and creative practices in research, with a view to informing impact generation planning and assessment in future.