This paper investigates the challenges associated with collecting data from non-binary gender individuals in Hungary and Bangladesh. It aims to explore the legal, social and cultural factors contributing to their marginalization and the ethical and methodological considerations necessary to conduct research in such contexts.
The study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing snowball sampling and partnerships with local NGOs to recruit participants from marginalized communities. A combination of in-person and virtual interviews was used to ensure participant safety and comfort. Ethical measures, particularly concerning anonymity and confidentiality, were rigorously followed to protect participants from potential harm.
The study identifies key challenges, including mistrust among participants, legal constraints in Hungary and social exclusion in Bangladesh. By leveraging trust-building techniques and flexible data-collection methods, the research overcame obstacles in accessing and engaging non-binary individuals. The findings provide a framework for collecting reliable data while safeguarding participants' rights in diverse socio-political contexts.
While the study offers valuable insights, its findings may be limited by the snowball sampling method, which could introduce sample bias. Future research should explore more diverse recruitment strategies to enhance generalizability.
The research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive and flexible methodologies in studies involving marginalized populations. It provides guidelines for future researchers on overcoming recruitment challenges and ensuring ethical compliance when working with vulnerable groups.
This paper contributes to the limited methodological literature on data collection from non-binary gender individuals. It offers innovative strategies for engaging marginalized populations in different socio-political contexts and underscores the need for ethical rigor in qualitative research.
