Positionality in a Contemptuous Time: Ethical Considerations and Discussions on Researching Language, Gender, and Sexuality

Abstract This article explores some of the ethical considerations about researching language, gender, and sexuality studies. In particular, it focuses on the potential risk posed to researchers from the perspectives of physical and mental health, especially as caused by conducting critical linguistic research into violent online misogyny, transphobia, and homophobia. I argue that there has been an increase in hate-based incidents related to gender and sexuality, and that while scholars are doing high-quality research in language, gender, and sexuality studies, these incidents might dissuade others from entering or remaining in the field. I also argue that there is some hostility towards scholars challenging gender-based hegemonies, which has real-world impacts on researchers. I highlight that there is a lack of support systems in Higher Education Institutions, and that sometimes the frameworks provided by these organisations are not conducive to safe research into the language of online gender/sexuality hate. I also argue that some of the frameworks, goals, and guidelines provided by Higher Education Institutions can misalign with norms of the discipline. As such I highlight where there are systematic shortcomings, in the hopes that affirmative action might be taken to better facilitate the continuation of high-quality research into language, gender, and sexuality studies.