Informed Consent Form

Research Project: Exploring LGBTQ+ Identity Formation on TumblrPurpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how queer spaces on Tumblr contribute to LGBTQ+ identity formation and challenge conventional understandings of gender and sexuality. Those who self-identify as queer and are aged 18 and above are eligible to participate. Through written interviews, this study aims to understand queer Tumblr users’ lived experience and how they perceive and engage with queer-themed content. Questions will focus on experiences of self-discovery and identity expression within the platform. The researcher may choose to submit the study’s findings for publication.Procedure
This study will include two rounds of one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 5-10 Tumblr users, each conducted through the Tumblr chatbox. The first round will involve questions about your general experiences using Tumblr and how it relates to your experience as a queer person, while the second round will serve as a follow-up to further explore key insights or questions that arise from the initial responses. Each interview session is expected to take approximately 20-30 minutes, but the length may vary. You may participate in both rounds, or opt out of the second round if preferred.Participation
You are invited to participate in this study. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw and/or skip interview questions at any point with no repercussions. In the event that you do withdraw, your information will be deleted as soon as possible. You may contact the researcher at any time to request the removal of your data from the study before it is finalized in May 2025.Risks and Benefits
While there are no physical risks associated with this study, recalling and discussing experiences related to your gender and sexuality may be triggering and evoke strong personal emotions. If you experience any emotional difficulties at any point during the study, please remember your right to withdraw and/or skip questions at any time. You are also encouraged to seek support from these resources.There are no direct benefits to participating in this study. However, reflecting on your experiences may be personally meaningful, and your insights will help inform future research on how online communities help foster queer identity.Data Collection
With your consent, transcripts of the chatbox interviews will be collected and securely stored. These transcripts will be password protected and only accessible to the researcher and their advisor. All information will remain confidential, and participant responses will be anonymized with a pseudonym in the final research paper. If quoted, no personally identifiable information will be included. All data will be permanently deleted by June 2025. If the paper is published in a scholarly journal, you will receive a link to the publication.If you have questions or need further information, please contact the researcher at @queerresearchstudy on Tumblr. Their research advisor can be contacted at [email protected].