Mixed Communities Require Mixed Theories: Using Mills to Broaden Goffman's Exploration of Identity within the GBLT Communities

The central objective of this paper is to attempt to counter an overly-rigidtheoretical approach in data analysis. Implicit in the push to identify andfollow one proper theoretical stream is the idea that one's particulartheoretical approach will always be plausible and contains an inherent ‘value’over any other approach. That being said, the purpose of this paper is two-fold.The first is to argue that a rigid theoretical approach to understanding peoplefrom non-homogenized communities leaves the analysis wanting. Instead, I referto a more flexible nature of using a mixed-method approach to analysis, whichwill generate an appropriately pluralistic representation of someone from apluralist community. Secondly, this paper suggests that a mixed-method approachshould include both a micro and a macro analysis. In this vein, I put forwardthe benefits of combining the theoretical approaches of both Goffman and Mills.In doing so, I am not suggesting that Goffman and Mills are the only theoriststo use. Rather, the combination of these two theories is useful forunderstanding an intersubjective approach to myself. A flexible epistemologicalapproach would recognize that other situations might call for the use of othertheorists.