Leveraging Social Media Recruitment Methodology to Recruit Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Hate Crime Victims

• In Event: Qualitative Methodology in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of a new social media recruitment methodology in surveying transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who experience hate crime violence. To address the challenges in reaching marginalized populations, this study uses a targeted social media advertisement campaign to recruit participants from diverse geographic locations and demographic backgrounds as opposed to the often-inadequate traditional recruitment methods. The study utilized a survey which collected data on participant’s age, race, gender identity, and state of residence while also maintaining privacy and promoting informed participation. The data was analyzed to examine patterns which varied or coincided with existing literature on the demographics of this population This research contributes to the understanding this hard-to-reach population while also testing a new and uniquely effective research methodology in victimization research. This initial demographic analysis is the first stage of an interviewing process to collect richer data on lived experiences and the unique nature of injury found within this community.

Authors

• Elias Taylor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• Frank S. Pezzella, John Jay College of Criminal Justice