Transitional spaces: investigating the role of collaborative art practice in generating self-representational genderqueer narratives

The aim of this research is to consider the role that collaborative arts practice can have in supporting the development of self-representational genderqueer narratives. Stemming from Bornstein’s (1994) assertion that genderqueer people experience misrepresentation and invisibility in popular culture and historical records, this project proposes that the development of self-representational genderqueer narratives is an ethical way of developing accounts of genderqueer identity. This research investigates how working alongside other genderqueer creative practitioners can enhance creative practice, reduce anxiety related to public exhibition, and empower the individual through community. Grounded in action-based research (cycles of reflection in action), this project culminated in a public exhibition, a focus group with the artists involved, and an exegetical statement addressing the research question: “How can collaborative arts practice be effectively used to support the generation of self-representational genderqueer narratives?