‘Madam, are you one of them?’ ‘Reflexivities of discomfort’ in researching an ‘illicit’ subject
Date
2018
Authors
Namatende-Sakwa, Lydia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Abstract
Informed largely by Affect theory (2004), this paper takes up ‘reflexivities of
discomfort’ to reflexively engage with my affective struggles as a Christian,
heterosexual, mother, educator, undertaking a study on homosexuality,
which is a thorny issue in Uganda. It a methodological prologue, reflecting
my thoughts and struggles before I undertake the study. My purpose is
not to find solutions, but to lay bare some anxieties and ambivalences,
also suggesting the limits of reflexivity. The paper begins with an
autobiographical narrative about school in relation to (homo)sexuality. This
is followed by an exposition of Uganda’s Anti-homosexuality Bill; my use of
reflexivity and affect to inform my affective struggles; my background as it
relates to sexuality, providing insights into my researcher positionality. I then
engage with moments imbued with high affective/emotive intensity in my
preparation to undertake the study.
Description
Keywords
Homosexuality, Uganda, Reflexivity, Affect, Education