Host James Watson continues his exploration of the peer researcher role and the impact of engaging people living with HIV in research. If you haven't had the chance to listen to part one, we highly recommend a listen.

Working with peer researchers in HIV community-based research (CBR) is a complex undertaking. It requires self-reflection, empathy, and a commitment to GIPA/MIPA and social justice principles. The dynamics of the work are as ever-changing as frameworks that guide its principled practice; with no one-size-fits-all approach. In this episode, host James Watson has a lively conversation with Lori A. Chambers and Zack Marshall, both accomplished social workers, social justice advocates and community-engaged researchers, about their experiences in working with peer researchers and engaging communities in research.

Lori Ann Chambers, Ph.D., is a social worker and researcher who uses storytelling methods to generate and share knowledge from communities living with or impacted by HIV. She has devoted her recent advocacy to telling the stories of women of African descent employed in HIV/AIDS service organizations and in collaboration with African, Caribbean and Black community advocates, she is co-leading Because She Cares, a performance narrative project that translates research into spoken word theatre and film.

Zack Marshall is a community-based researcher and an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at McGill University. Building on a history of community work in the areas of HIV, harm reduction, and mental health, Zack's research explores interdisciplinary connections between public engagement, knowledge production and research ethics in queer and trans communities using digital methods. Current projects that address these themes are: Knowsy, an accessible online portal for LGBTQ2S+ knowledge synthesis, and Shift, a project exploring labour practices in participatory research.

Visit the episode page on The Positive Effect website for full episode details and to learn more about guests Lori and Zack. Click here for the full audio transcript.

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