About the Study

This pilot research study seeks to explore the identity-related experiences of queer Black adults (ages 18-43) with current or past experiences in the Black Church using arts-based methods. Your participation involves the following:

• 1 hour interview + free verse poetry writing session (via Zoom or in-person depending on the preference of the participant)

• Up to 15 minutes of solo listening to your poem interpreted and set to music by the researcher (the music will be sent to you via email; you can listen to it on your own time)

• Correspondence with researcher via email, phone, or video conference to discuss the musical-lyrical piece and receive your feedback. This part is designed to be collaborative and to ensure that you feel good about the way that your narrative is represented through the artwork.

At this time, no stipends or gift cards are available for those who choose to participate in this study.

About the Student Researcher

Hi, my name is kei slaughter (pronouns: they/them). I am an Associate Professor of Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and a doctoral student in Expressive Therapies at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Currently, I am in the process of recruiting participants for my pilot research project under the supervision of Dr. Michele Forinash. As a Black queer non-binary music therapist, musician, performer, and educator from the Southeastern region of the U.S. (New Orleans, La), I grew up in a musical, middle-class, religious, and matriarchal family with deep roots in the Black Church. I hold reverence for Black Queer and Trans people, our stories, knowledges, and ways of being. Through this work, I hope to elevate the inherent dignity, sacredness, and expansive identities and perspectives of Black queer folk.