Recruitment challenges for research with 2SLGBTQIA+ service members who experienced military sexual trauma: A reflection

Participant recruitment is foundational to research, yet it is often overlooked in studies on research methodologies. Recruitment can be challenging if the community researchers are trying to connect with might be difficult to define or hard to reach, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ service members and Veterans, particularly those who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). This perspectives article engages with reflections based on the authors’ research study and relevant literature to discuss challenges to participant recruitment for studies involving 2SLGBTQIA+ service members and Veterans who have experienced MST. Four dominant challenges are discussed, including language, confidentiality and distrust, stakeholder engagement, and the current political climate.