Consent to Participate in Research

    Project Title: Activating Trans Masculine College Students’ Reflections on Campus Experiences, Masculinity, and Community-Building Through Long-Term Online Focus Groups
    Researchers: T.J. Jourian, Ph.D., Oakland University (Principal Investigator); Chase Catalano, Ph.D., Western Illinois University (co-Principal Investigator)
     
    Introduction:
    You are being recruited for a research study being conducted by T.J. Jourian and Chase Catalano if you are a current undergraduate or graduate student in the Greater Chicagoland area that self-identifies as trans masculine in some way, including but not exclusively as trans man, female-to-male, boi, Two Spirit, masculine-of-center, nonbinary, and so on. The purpose of this research study is to explore the identity and community building processes of diverse trans masculine college students, and how those processes are mediated by online environments.
     
    Procedures:
    If you agree to be in the study and are selected, you will be asked to participate in two interviews lasting approximately 60-90 minutes each, one at the beginning of the study and another about mid-way.  Additionally, you will be asked to submit short video responses (10 minutes or less) to prompt questions. Finally, you will be asked to participate in a focus group lasting approximately 60-90 minutes at the conclusion of the study. The results of the interviews, videos, and focus groups will be used to better understand how you build community and how you understand and define your identities.
     
    Risks/Benefits:
    There are minimal risks involved in participating in this research. For example, you may experience some discomfort responding to some of the questions.
     
    At the conclusion of the study, each participant will receive a $25 gift card.  An additional $50 gift card will be given to one randomly selected participant. Participation in the study also offers the opportunity to reflect on one’s own journey, self-awareness, and identity, and to connect with other trans masculine college students in the greater Chicagoland area.
     
    Voluntary Participation:
    Participation in this study is voluntary.   Even if you decide to participate, you are free not to answer any question or to withdraw from participation at any time without penalty. 
     
    Contacts and Questions:
    If you have questions about this research study, please feel free to contact:
    • T.J. Jourian at tjjourian@oakland.edu
    • Chase Catalano at c-catalano2@wiu.edu
    If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact the Oakland University IRB Office at (248) 370-2762.      
     
    Statement of Consent:
    Clicking on the "I Agree" button below indicates that you have read the information provided above, have had an opportunity to ask questions, and agree to participate in this research study. On the next page you will be asked to provide some demographic information to aid in the selection process. The demographic information will be kept confidential. Should you be selected for the study, you will be sent a different version of this consent form to sign and to keep for your records.
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About that asterisk: This website uses the asterisk (*) as a linguistic disruption of sorts that shifts the meaning of words to intentionally reference from a trans perspective (e.g., trans*form). In most cases, it is not used after the word "trans" as is becoming common in many spaces (see this article for an explanation of the etymology and meaning of trans*), except when directly cited or is part of an already published piece.  This is to honor the ongoing discussions and tensions amongst trans communities regarding the use/misuse of the asterisk. See, the following three articles to learn about some of these discussions and tensions: by Julia Serano, by the Trans Student Educational Resources, and by Practical Androgyny.