Exploring Queerness and Community Among LGBTQ+ Citizen Science Volunteers

While the body of research on the motivations and outcomes for citizen science participants continues to grow, there remains a lack of information on the social aspects of volunteers’ experiences. Given that a sense of community contributes to the overall health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, it remains unseen if and how LGBTQ+ citizen science volunteers perceive and experience a sense of community in the context of their participation. This study presents findings and recommendations based on data provided by 14 LGBTQ+-identifying citizen science volunteers through semi-structured interviews. By understanding the social dimensions of engagement in citizen science for LGBTQ+ volunteers, practitioners across fields can begin to recognize and implement strategies for cultivating and supporting diverse volunteer communities.