Invisible No More: Voices from the Queer Community
Cette ressource est également disponible en français.
This study examines the experiences and needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Sudbury & Districts to identify implications and opportunities for public health action.
To understand a local knowledge gap related to 2SLGBTQ+ individuals’ experiences of stigma, discrimination and violence, Public Health Sudbury & Districts partnered with the School of Social Work at Laurentian University to conduct the study.
Digital storytelling, a qualitative method of gathering data that captures peoples’ experiences in their own voices, was used to generate 13 digital stories. These stories explore themes of violence and bullying, identifying as Queer without support, resilience, and safe spaces.
The 13 digital stories are accompanied by a research report, which aims to understand social and cultural challenges experienced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. The findings reveal five main themes:
- Lack of Queer community and social isolation
- The need for safe, inclusive spaces
- Emotional and physical violence
- Gaps in service delivery
- Resilience and empowerment
The study authors conclude that the stigmatization and oppression of Queer people results in power and resource disparities that lead to inequities. This includes inequities in opportunities, social engagement, political relations, and health outcomes.
The report provides seven recommendations to guide public health to create a system that is more inclusive and responsive to Queer people. These recommendations include to amplify the voices of 2SLGBTQ+ community members, create more inclusive spaces, and enhance available supports across the life course, and include mental health supports. Authors note that these recommendations are relevant for other health and social sectors as well.
The digital story recordings are also available. Please note that the digital stories were created by English-speaking participants. Subtitles have been added to the videos to make them more accessible in French; however, actual words or images embedded within the videos have not been altered.
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Use the digital stories to:
- Start conversations about inequities experienced by, and opportunities to support, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Use the research report to:
- Deepen your understanding of gender identity and expression and sexual orientation as determinants of health.
- Build your understanding of how stigma and oppression, resulting from social structures and systems, produce inequities in economic opportunities, social engagement, political relations, life chances, and health outcomes.
- Learn more about digital storytelling as a research method to engage community members.
Related Resources:
Canada’s first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan...Building our future, with pride (2022)
Guest Blog: Beginning from within: Promoting the health of trans, Two-Spirit and/or gender-diverse youth
Guest Blog: Promoting LGBTQ2 mental health through an end to conversion therapy: The role of public health
Equity in Action: Wisdom2Action develops targeted resources to facilitate transgender inclusion in health services
See more resources related to 2SLGBTQI+ health and equity.
Reference
Public Health Sudbury & Districts. (2022). Invisible No More: Voices from the Queer Community. Sudbury, ON. Retrieved from: https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/health-equity/2slgbtq/invisible-no-more-study/
Tags: Community engagement, 2SLGBTQI+ health, Stigma, discrimination, Public Health Unit/Health Authority, Report / Document