In our on-going efforts to foster a North Shore where everyone belongs, a highlight of this year was our Rainbow Research Project. This highly successful project developed recommendations for a new service model to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ im/migrants and their families. The research was guided by an Advisory Committee comprising of LGBTQIA+ im/migrants, settlement service and LGBTQIA+ serving organizations including, Rainbow Refugee and Pride@Work Canada.
Over 100 individuals contributed to the research through a sector survey, focus groups, and interviews with LGBTQIA+ im/migrants, their families, settlement-sector leaders, and other service providers, and an environmental scan was also conducted to get a better understanding of the current landscape of service options for LGBTQIA+ im/migrants.
The findings of this research provide critical insights into the realities faced by LGBTQIA+ im/migrants, highlighting the need for specialized trauma-informed programs that address the safety needs of this community in real and tangible ways. Findings also highlighted the need for intersectional approaches to understand the experiences of racialized LGBTQIA+ im/migrants that are inclusive of the realities of race-based discrimination.
As part of this work, we also completed the development of a comprehensive toolkit, designed to provide guidance and resources to service providers who are committed to creating safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ im/migrants and their families. This toolkit offers detailed guidelines, checklists, and best practices that enable organizations to better understand and meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ im/migrants.
I was deeply moved by participating in this project. I never thought that anyone would be interested in my experiences of being a queer im/migrant in Canada. It is my dream to feel that I belong somewhere, and this project gives me hope that one day I will.
Based on the recommendations of the project, the seeds were planted to support the development of the Bridge to Belonging program, an initiative specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ im/migrants and their families. The service model of this new program is built on the recommendations of the research findings and offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to reduce barriers to access and ensure that LGBTQIA+ im/migrants and their families receive the support they need to successfully integrate and feel at home in the North Shore.
