Ensuring the anonymity and safety of marginalized trans Russians in qualitative research

Journalistic coverage of Russia’s transgender community, amidst heightened censorship and regulation following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has become increasingly challenging. President Vladimir Putin has scapegoated the LGBTQ community as a symbol of supposed Western “decadence,” using it in part to justify his “special military operation,” with trans individuals emerging as primary targets of his administration’s repressive policies. This case study is based on a book chapter that explores how censorship has shaped media coverage of the country’s trans community while examining the broader implications of the administration’s legislation. It highlights the value of incorporating lived experience - specifically through interviews with trans Russians, LGBTQ activists, and journalists who have reported on Russia - to enhance the authenticity and credibility of academic research. Data collection included interviews with nine journalists and six Russian queer activists - five of whom are trans - conducted via encrypted messaging apps or Zoom. Additional contributors offered eyewitness background information. All interviews were anonymized, offering a rare and nuanced historical record from within an increasingly repressive society where marginalized groups face significant risks for speaking openly. By reading this case study, researchers will gain insight into best practices for protecting the anonymity of research subjects - crucial for safeguarding both participants and their families - and learn how to engage ethically, sensitively, and reflexively, and to build trust when conducting research with marginalized communities in authoritarian contexts.