Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
I am a critical community psychologist based in the School of Humanities and Social Science, chartered psychologist (Division of Academic Researchers and Teachers), and a member of the BPS’s Community Psychology Section.
My primary research has a specific focus on improving trans and non-binary people's participation and inclusion in movement, grassroots sport and physical activity across the lifespan. Other topics include LGBTQ+ youth/community, qualitative, creative and participatory research methods, discourse analysis and feminist/trans feminist/queer theory, and working across disciplines (e.g., psychology and sociology).
After completing my PhD at Brighton, I worked as a Researcher for the UK charity Mermaids, who support trans, non-binary and gender diverse children, young people and their families. This gave me a valuable understanding of how research can be used to change lives and have the power to make a real and lasting difference.
Approach to teaching
My approach to teaching draws on the importance of accessibility, simplicity and listening to the student experience. This is because I think the best kind of teaching works towards changing systems, not people, and breaking down language barriers in education.
I use bell hook’s work on engaged pedagogy, enjoy using creative methods to explain slippery theoretical concepts which (hopefully) then in turn help students to understand social inequalities in relatable ways. I encourage students to share resources, methods and techniques which centre their own lived experiences.
Supervisory Interests
I am colead supervisor for a PhD candidate who is researching gender creative parenting using creative research methods. I am also third supervisor for a TECHNE funded PhD candidate, whose research explores heritage visbility for gender diverse young people in the Traveller, Gypsy and Romany (GRT) community.
Knowledge exchange
I sit on the management board for the Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender
Education/Academic qualification
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, University of Brighton
1 Oct 2023 → 1 Nov 2024
Award Date: 29 Nov 2024
PhD, The Lived Experiences of Transgender and Non-Binary People in Everyday Sport and Physical Exercise in the UK, University of Brighton
1 Oct 2017 → 1 Nov 2021
Award Date: 1 Nov 2021
Master, Gender Studies (Distinction), University of Sussex
Award Date: 1 Sept 2016
Keywords
- H Social Sciences (General)
- Transgender, non-binary, exercise, the body/embodiment, health.
- trans feminist theory
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 2 Active
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Access and experiences of healthcare in Japan for trans, non-binary, and x-gender people: A systematic scoping review
Sherriff, N. (PI), McGlynn, N. (CoI), Sawyer, A. (CoI), Barras, A. (CoI) & Zeeman, L. (PI)
15/02/25 → 15/02/26
Project: EU / International
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CCR: Creativity, Community and Resilience
Jenzen, O. (PI), Barras, A. (CoI), Pearce, R. (CoI) & Reed, L. (CoI)
Arts and Humanities Research Council
1/08/24 → 31/07/26
Project: Research Councils / Government Depts.
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Physical Activity amonst the Trans and Gender Diverse Population
Jones, B. & Barras, A., 29 Sept 2025, Physical Activity in Diverse Populations: Evidence and Practice . Bopp, M. (ed.). 2 ed. Abingdon: Routledge, p. 256-277 22 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding with ISSN or ISBN › Chapter › peer-review
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The invisibility of trans men in sport and sporting spaces
Barras, A., 23 May 2024, Routledge Handbook of Sport, Leisure, and Social Justice. Lawrence, S., Hill, J. & Mowatt, R. (eds.). 1 ed. UK: Routledge, p. 85-98 14 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding with ISSN or ISBN › Chapter › peer-review
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Transgender and Non-Binary People in Everyday Sport: A Trans Feminist Approach to Improving Inclusion
Barras, A., 20 Sept 2024, 1 ed. UK: Routledge. 200 p. (Gender and Sexualities in Psychology)Research output: Book/Report › Book - authored › peer-review
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Young People and Sport
Barras, A., 20 Mar 2023, Mermaids. 28 p.Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
Open AccessFile -
‘Cos not everyone wants to talk, they prefer to do, to move’: circuits of trans embodied pleasure and inclusion in sport and physical exercise
Barras, A. & Frith, H., 10 Oct 2023, In: Sport, Education and Society. p. 1-15 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access