Heavy Processing by T.L. Cowan and Jas Rault, cover art by Jess MacCormack.

“What happens when we take the joke of “lesbian processing” seriously as a research method?”—this is the underpinning of Heavy Processing, a new book by cluster members T.L. Cowan and Jas Rault. In it, Cowan and Rault present a compelling argument for embracing process-heavy methods—a deeply relational, and ethically accountable approach to research, where the journey and communities involved are understood as the destination itself. While “Heavy processing” as a method emerges from “Trans- Feminist and Queer” (TFQ) scholarship, it resonates across disciplines. Its intervention feels particularly urgent for researchers in internet studies, digital cultural studies, data studies, and digital humanities—where extractive and efficiency-driven methods often dominate.

The book explores heavy processing across four chapters. The first, “Lesbian Processing,” grounds heavy processing within lesbian-leaning TFQ cultural histories, making a persuasive case for its relevance to anyone committed to ethical and community-oriented knowledge production. “Central Processing Units: Trans- Feminist and Queer Manifestos” conceives of TFQ manifestos as essential processing tools for building movements and practices. “Risking IT” offers a pointed critique of extractive research practices, positioning heavy processing as an alternative that prioritizes community engagement over individual and institutional advancement. Finally, “Networked Intimate Publics (NIPs)” introduces the idea of accountability-driven and inward-facing spaces—where scholars, artists, and activists can develop their projects and plans before engaging with wider publics.

Through these chapters, Cowan and Rault mount a powerful challenge to academia’s institutionally-entrenched norms of individualism and rapid productivity. They advocate for research practices that are simultaneously critical, caring, rigorous, and accountable. They remind us that method is never neutral as research is always shaped by our identities and the structures within which we work. Heavy Processing invites us to thoughtfully sit with the tensions of this reality. This is an essential read for anyone conducting research in communities. It serves as a timely reminder that slow, process-heavy, iterative, and collective methods don’t impede good research; they are good research.

The book launch and world premiere of Heavy Processing was held on Thursday January 23 at Another Story Bookshop, co-organized by the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies.