The diversity of gender, sexuality, and relationships remain underrepresented topics in Finnish social work research and education. This network was formed to bring together people working on these topics - to help researchers collaborate and exchange knowledge as well as form a community for support. In addition, the network acts as an external information channel, bringing together events, publications and projects that are relevant to Finnish LGBTQI+ research in social work.
The network also aims to act as a counterforce in an academic world where cis and heteronormative structures marginalize research and teaching on queer people's lives, well-being and social work service needs. It aims to strengthen the state of social work research and teaching on LGBTQI+ issues in Finland by fighting against the isolation of researchers and students.
If you want to keep up to date with what is happening in the field of LGBTQI+ research in social work in Finland, you can join the email list maintained by the network. Through the email list, anyone can share information about relevant publications or events in the field of LGBTQI+ research in social work, or ask, for example, for literature tips for a thesis. Join the list by sending an email to one of the list administrators: Joa Hiitola (joa.hiitola@tuni.fi) or Inka Söderström (inka.soderstrom@helsinki.fi).
Contact the people involved in the network if you want to get involved. You can also get in touch if you are planning a thesis or dissertation in social work on the diversity of gender, sexuality or relationships and need tips or support.