LamQ Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre

The LamQ+ team at London Met includes sociologist Professor Louise Ryan, social worker Donna Jones and social psychologist Dr Karyofyllis (Lakis) Zervoulis. The team brings together research expertise in qualitative social research techniques including focus groups (led by Louise Ryan), creative methods (led by Donna Jones) and online surveys and statistical analysis (led by Dr Zervoulis). All aspects of the project have been conducted with the valuable support of Cinar Aydogan and Anna Jakobczak, London Metropolitan University current and past students respectively.

Moreover, the team has considerable experience in working with LGBTQI+ groups and black and ethnic minority communities, as well as engaging with partner organisations across previous projects.

We are mindful of sensitivities in undertaking such research and are committed to working closely with our partners to ensure good ethical practice. 

Lambeth has large LGBTQI+ communities. This was the focus of the "Sigma Study" in 2005. Since then, there has been limited new information about these communities and their evolving needs over time. Officers of Lambeth Council have become aware through anecdotal evidence that some members of LGBTQI+ communities, especially Black, Asian and minority ethnic people, have been badly impacted by Coronavirus and the associated lockdowns. This study aimed to provide empirical data on these concerns.

We addressed our objectives in two stages:

Stage one

First, a survey (approx. 300 respondents) aimed to capture an overall picture of the LGBTQI+ community in Lambeth. The survey was advertised through a range of media and organisations within the borough using opportunistic sampling. Eligible participants were adults (18+) currently residing within Lambeth who self-identify as LGBTQI+. Working closely with our partner organisations, every effort was made to recruit participants from all sections of LGBTQI+ people and diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Stage two

Second, Photovoice workshops (an art-based method to create safe spaces for marginalised voices) aimed to unpack in greater depth the perceptions and experience of a sizable minority within the LGBTQI+ community, namely of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people. The co-researchers were recruited through social media adverts and through our partner organisations working with Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBTQI+ people. 

Stage three

Preliminary findings were shared with stakeholders at Lambeth and our partner non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Black Thrive, Black Out, Lambeth Links and Opening Doors London. We organised a workshop for discussion and co-production of recommendations and innovative solutions.

LamQ+ Final Report, October 2021  (PDF) was launched at a community event in Lambeth organised in collaboration with research partners.

As part of the launch event we organised an exhibition of photos from the Photovoice workshops. The photos were mounted for display and a text produced by each participant accompanied the image.

The research team will keep working towards dissemination and impact of the project’s findings and recommendations within Lambeth but also across boroughs and other stakeholders. A second Photovoice exhibition is planned for February in Lambeth; research papers for publications in academic journals are being written. 

The Research team invites all qualifying Lambeth residents to complete the following LamQ+ project questionnaire.

Please note that this research is specifically for adults (18+ years), who identify as LGBTQI+, and who currently live anywhere within the London Borough of Lambeth.

You may find taking part in this research an interesting experience for you to reflect on issues you or your communities face. If you complete the questionnaire, you can enter a prize draw with a chance to win one of four Amazon vouchers of £50 each.

All data will be fully anonymised and securely stored on the London Metropolitan University drives.

If you want to contact the study team or ask for further information, please contact us via email or via telephone at 020 7133 5254.