LJ Slovin

Embracing Queer and Trans Frameworks in Qualitative Educational Research reflects on a decade of conversations about research, thinking, and life, exploring how to navigate the ethical complexities of working with queer and trans youth as queer and trans scholars. The authors introduce the framework of “showing our work,” an intimate approach that revisits the often- invisible processes behind what becomes the ‘final’ product. This lens offers a fresh, rarely told account of how research is made, highlighting the messy, reflective, and transformative moments that shape scholarly inquiry.By showing their work, the authors invite educational researchers to engage with these moments in their own practice – thinking alongside the discussions and decisions that shape methodological choices. They argue for the vital role of queer and trans methodologies in qualitative educational research, positioning them not just as subjectspecific tools but as critical lines of analytical inquiry. Drawing from their own research with queer and trans youth, both within and beyond educational spaces, the authors revisit and reimagine pivotal moments that challenged, provoked, and ultimately shaped key elements of their published work. Through this process, they create a generative space for methodological reimagining, situating ethnographic work with queer and trans youth as fertile ground for new ways of knowing.This book is essential reading for students across disciplines, as well as qualitative researchers engaged in youth studies, critical methodologies, sociology, and queer and trans studies.

Embracing Queer and Trans Frameworks in Qualitative Educational Research reflects on a decade of conversations about research, thinking, and life, exploring how to navigate the ethical complexities of working with queer and trans youth as queer and trans scholars. The authors introduce the framework of “showing our work,” an intimate approach that revisits the often- invisible processes behind what becomes the ‘final’ product. This lens offers a fresh, rarely told account of how research is made, highlighting the messy, reflective, and transformative moments that shape scholarly inquiry.By showing their work, the authors invite educational researchers to engage with these moments in their own practice – thinking alongside the discussions and decisions that shape methodological choices. They argue for the vital role of queer and trans methodologies in qualitative educational research, positioning them not just as subjectspecific tools but as critical lines of analytical inquiry. Drawing from their own research with queer and trans youth, both within and beyond educational spaces, the authors revisit and reimagine pivotal moments that challenged, provoked, and ultimately shaped key elements of their published work. Through this process, they create a generative space for methodological reimagining, situating ethnographic work with queer and trans youth as fertile ground for new ways of knowing.This book is essential reading for students across disciplines, as well as qualitative researchers engaged in youth studies, critical methodologies, sociology, and queer and trans studies.

Highlights the work trans youth do to create inclusive spaces in schools Fierce, Fabulous, and Fluid presents a poignant critique of educational policies aimed at supporting trans and gender-nonconforming youth in schools. Over the years, caring adults have recognized these students as vulnerable and have tried to create inclusive environments to address their unique challenges. However, the book argues that these approaches have inadvertently perpetuated a narrow definition of trans identity, leaving many trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming youth feeling excluded and unseen. Based on a year-long ethnographic study conducted in a high school, LJ Slovin closely observes the experiences of gender-nonconforming youth who were often overlooked in the discussions about trans issues. Despite the lack of recognition, these hard-working young individuals persevered, navigating their identities and striving to thrive within the education system. Through their daily efforts, these young people tried to expand notions of gender in their school environment, building more inclusive spaces that embraced all trans identities. By sharing their stories, Slovin emphasizes the need for educators to shift away from a focus on risk and concern, to instead foster a celebration of trans and gender-nonconforming youth. The book urges educators to cultivate a genuine desire to understand and support trans youth, paving the way for a brighter and queerer future within educational settings.

Highlights the work trans youth do to create inclusive spaces in schools Fierce, Fabulous, and Fluid presents a poignant critique of educational policies aimed at supporting trans and gender-nonconforming youth in schools. Over the years, caring adults have recognized these students as vulnerable and have tried to create inclusive environments to address their unique challenges. However, the book argues that these approaches have inadvertently perpetuated a narrow definition of trans identity, leaving many trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming youth feeling excluded and unseen. Based on a year-long ethnographic study conducted in a high school, LJ Slovin closely observes the experiences of gender-nonconforming youth who were often overlooked in the discussions about trans issues. Despite the lack of recognition, these hard-working young individuals persevered, navigating their identities and striving to thrive within the education system. Through their daily efforts, these young people tried to expand notions of gender in their school environment, building more inclusive spaces that embraced all trans identities. By sharing their stories, Slovin emphasizes the need for educators to shift away from a focus on risk and concern, to instead foster a celebration of trans and gender-nonconforming youth. The book urges educators to cultivate a genuine desire to understand and support trans youth, paving the way for a brighter and queerer future within educational settings.