Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the frequently asked questions below. Have different questions? Contact us at covidconversations@virginia.edu
Who is eligible for the study?
For the purposes of this study, we are looking to talk to
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Cisgender adults between the ages of 18 and 59
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Living in Virginia
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English-speaking and able to talk online (Zoom) or by phone
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Identify sexual minority woman or man (bisexual, lesbian, gay, pansexual, queer, same-gender-loving, or something else)
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Identify as Black/African American or White
Please contact covidconversations@virginia.edu if you have any questions. Contacting does not automatically sign you up for the study.
Why only cisgender adults?
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Oftentimes people assume issues around sexual identity and gender identity are the same - and we want to avoid making this assumption with our research. We recognize that experiences of people who identify as trans, nonbinary, gender-fluid, etc. are different from people who identify as cisgender. Unfortunately, for this project we did not have enough resources to be able to meaningfully include trans folks.
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HOWEVER, we want to encourage more funding for research on experiences for trans folks, and we can make a stronger argument for this to future funders and research initiatives when we receive feedback. If you or someone you know identifies as trans, nonbinary, gender-fluid, etc., and would be interested in participating, please let us know. We can incorporate your feedback to advocate for more research attention and funding dedicated to or inclusive of experiences of those from our trans communities.
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Interested in learning more about ongoing research opportunities? Check out these sites https://www.lgbtlifewestchester.org/research_studies, https://socialjusticesexuality.com/passingitforward/
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Please note, we offer these links as informational resources only. We cannot speak to eligibility requirements or focus of different research projects.
Will this study help me get testing, treatment, or a vaccine for COVID-19?
No, this is not a medical study or a clinical trial. The researchers will not provide medical advice or perform diagnostic testing of any kind.
Instead, this project is interested in learning about your experience during COVID-19. The researchers will ask questions about your daily life, relationships with others, experiences with discrimination, views of the medical system, and actions you have taken during COVID-19.
Participating in this study will not impact your ability to receive medical testing or treatment. Your participation does not affect your ability to receive services or assistance related to COVID-19 relief.
What do I get if I take part in this project?
You will be contributing to research on how White, Black, and LGBQ+ adults are experiencing COVID-19. In addition, we offer $40 in gift cards (gift choice to Kroger, Walmart, or Amazon) for participating.
Participants will not receive other direct benefits or outcomes from participating (example: this does not impact your ability to receive medical treatment, services, or assistance).
Do I have to turn the video on for Zoom interview?
No, it is not required to use a video for Zoom interviews. We would like to use Zoom to ensure a secure connection. Alternatively, interviews can take place by phone. We are not conducting in-person interviews for this study to protect participant and researcher health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I value my privacy. Is this confidential, and what does that mean?
YES. The interview is CONFIDENTIAL. That means that your information will not be shared with others.
Your name and any information that can personally identify you (where you life, where you life, family members names, etc.) will be changed. All files, forms, and audio recordings will be stored on a password protected and encrypted external hard drive locked in an office.
When writing reports, the researchers may quote what you say, but we will never use your real name, the names of others that you may talk about, or any other identifying information.
Please contact us at covidconversations@virginia.edu with questions.
What if I know someone that is eligible for the study?
If you know someone who is eligible for the study, please encourage them to contact us at covidconversations@virginia.edu or send them a link to this website.
Please do not send use any names or contact information of individuals who may be eligible, unless you have talked with the individual and receive permission on their behalf.
Please note, contacting the study does not automatically mean that you sign up to participate.
I have other questions that are not listed here. Who do I contact?
When in doubt, ask us a question by emailing us at covidconversations@virginia.edu.
Or you can Direct Message or “DM” us on our social media accounts. In order to protect your confidentiality, please do not post any public messages on Facebook page for this study.
More contact information can be found under the “About” tab on this website.
