A Lens of Resistance: Virtual Photovoice with BIPOC Women to Reframe Human Services Research

The study aims to advance human services research that challenges oppressive practices in care for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) women with chronic pain. The article details a progressive virtual Photovoice process, a hybrid method that combined asynchronous (Canvas) and synchronous (Zoom) platforms to explore chronic pain among women who have been (mis) treated for chronic pain. Two diverse groups of 20 women followed five stages progressing from researcher-driven to participant-driven: Photovoice training, research planning, photo capture, analysis, and dissemination/reflection. Participants took photos, engaged in focus groups, and collectively analyzed photographic data, revealing themes of healing, resilience, spirituality, and self-care. Conducted during COVID-19, the study underscores best practices for facilitating virtual Photovoice with minoritized populations and demonstrates the potential of virtual research methods to overcome logistical obstacles, and to challenge oppression through shifting power over research to consumers of human services.