Welcome to this blog. As the headline suggests I am doing a
research degree in public policy and I’m currently doing my dissertation
research.
The dissertation topic is relatively simple. Do gay men’s
life experiences affect their behaviours? For example, are people who enter
into a civil partnership less likely to undertake risky sexual behaviours; and
if so, should full marriage be an policy priority for the government? Are
people whose families accept their sexual orientation less likely to behave in
risky ways? And if so, does promoting acceptance and equality for gay people
pay for itself by reducing the burden on public services?
I am a student at Birkbeck College, part of the University
of London, and an employee of the NHS which is part-funding my studies. I chose
the topic entirely independently and it relates, if anything, toward my own
sexual orientation and my curiosity about similar people, rather than my
employment.
As part of my degree I have been encouraged to keep a
reflexive journal, in order to help me think about what the experiences I will
have doing my research, and direct my own reading and learning in a coherent
way.
Your role? Well, I’m putting all this online as I thought it
might be interesting. Perhaps… But more importantly whenever I’ve undertaken
any kind of major project or research
the views, ideas, concerns and feedback of other people – who are by and
large more intelligent and clearer thinkers than me – have always been
especially helpful.
In short, I’ll be thinking out loud. If you hear anything
worth replying to, by all means do.
