LGBTQ+ Resources

With it being pride month, we felt it was only appropriate to share some local community resources that support the LGBTQ+ community. Some may think it is odd or unnecessary to have a separate list of resources available for the LGBTQ+ community, but it is important to recognize that their lived experiences creates a unique set of needs that needs to be addressed. Of course we hope that one day they will be able to just willingly walk into any place for service, but believing such already exists is naive and would take away from the very barriers and struggles the community still has to fight for. Research has shown that members of the LGBTQ+ community suffer higher rates of anxiety, depression, OCD, phobic disorders, and engage in self harm. They are also 14 times more at risk for substance abuse and suicide. So the numbers don't lie, they experience such a unique set of stresses and challenges and it is up to us as a community to work together to ensure everyone has a quality of life. 

When interviewing LGBTQ+ students, it was discovered that the following are important concerns around physical and emotional health amongst the community:

1. Having access, trust, and comfort in providers: many students will outright just avoid seeking health care as they struggle to find a provider that is inclusive and open to their needs verbally and non-verbally. Things such as inclusive language (both in person and on forms), confidentiality, visual cues, and affirmations can help create a space of openness. 
2. Healing from oppression: it is no secret that there can be experiences of hate, violence, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. This creates many physical and emotional problems. Often times this is where we see the at risk of substance abuse, self-harm, and internalized oppression take a toll. There is continued exposure to anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes that play a role in one's self image and identity formation. 
3. Coping with stress, anxiety, and depression: we know that they are more likely to experience major mental health problems, but do we understand why? Studies suggest that it can be due to a) stigmatization b) different lived experiences compared to their heterosexual counter parts (think about it, when have we had to defend our sexuality or come out?) c)experiences of discrimination and d) lack of social support. 
4. Sexual health concerns: Sexual health for heterosexual individuals is still widely considered taboo to discuss in public, so imagine to stigmatization and discrimination one must feel as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. And should they be ashamed? No, it's a healthy and natural thing to be sexually active and curious. Sexual health very much stresses on the concerns around heterosexual couples, but fails to address the misconceptions around same sex couples. Only 4% of men reported using condoms during oral sex and the STIs syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia has increased over the years among men to men sexual partners. In addition, many women still believe they cannot get an STI with female partners, but this is false and there are many links to cervical cancers and HPV, so women should be getting pap smears every year once they become sexually active!
5. Body image: Ideals of beauty from both the queer community and the "mainstream" ideals can lead to a lot of conflict for LGBTQ+ members. Ideals of the feminine body and the masculine figure may not always align with how a person may feel and can lead to struggles in understanding and developing their own identity. 

So what are some community resources that LGBTQ+ community members can reach out to?

ERBA Edmonton Rainbow Association: Provides membership to LGBTQ+ owned and operated and LGBTQ+ friendly businesses.  ERBA

Gaywire: and LGBTQ+ locally ran radio station! GayWire

iHuman: a drop in facility where youth are able to explore their artistic talent in a safe environment while also having access to a multidisciplinary team to address any health concerns. iHuman

LEGIT: Immigration information and support while also working to end discrimination in Canada's immigration regulations and policies. LEGIT

Pride Center of Edmonton: A drop in space offering resources, counselling, educational programs for the public, support groups, social groups, and youth activities. pridecentreofedmonton

Team Edmonton: a non-profit that provides the community with access to sporting events and other recreational activities. Teamedmonton

altView: provides services, programs and supports to Edmonton and surrounding areas such as the Rainbow Alliance in Fort Sask., OUTlet group in Sherwood Park, and Status Queer- an annual conference for rural communities. altView

Trans Equality Society of Alberta: an advocacy group looking to build opportunities for formal engagement with authorities who may overlook the unique needs of the trans community. TESA

Camp fYrefly: Canada’s only national leadership retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, intersexed, queer, questioning, and allied youth. The Camp is designed to help youth develop the leadership skills and personal resiliency necessary for them to become agents for positive change in their schools, families, and communities. camp-fyrefly

Compass Centre for Sexual Wellness: counselling and referral based services for anyone with questions about their sexuality or sexual health. compasscentre

The Family Center: a counselling center that also provides workshops and runs the program called the Rainbow Pages. The Family Centre

For more information about other organizations or agencies check out Queeryeg.ca

Happy Pride Month!

YWC

Source:
https://www.campuspride.org