Projects

On this page, you will find information about what we do, including Active and Past projects. Please visit our Resources page for things we have produced as a result of some of our research (e.g., papers, reports, posters, brochures). Click on the title of each project to learn more.

To learn more about our research or to share ideas you have for possible future projects, please contact us!

Active Projects

Foundational and transferable skills of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada: Addressing knowledge gaps to inform policy and program development

This study aims to address a significant gap in employment-related literature among this largely ignored population within the labour market. The purpose of this project is to generate a preliminary evidence base of foundational and transferable employment skills and training, as well as outcomes, 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada. This project is in response to a request for research that informs programs and policies supported by Employment and Social Development Canada in order to improve employment outcomes for 2SLGBTQ+ people.

Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) Ontarians' experiences with social assistance: Conducting preliminary research to nurture partnerships in the area of 2SLGBTQIA+ poverty and health

Research shows that two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) people experience greater economic inequities than their heterosexual and cisgender (non-trans) peers. Although poverty is widely understood to be a critically important determinant of health, few studies have investigated the relationships between poverty and health in 2SLGBTQIA+ populations, or the possible social and structural relationships that sustain these inequities. Within this research project we will explore the factors that act as barriers and facilitators in accessing social assistance for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. Our project will address this research gap while also working towards building a multidisciplinary network of researchers and advocates concerned about 2SLGBTQIA+ poverty.

Pathways to low-wage and precarious employment: A critical narrative inquiry among gay, bisexual, and queer men

This critical narrative inquiry seeks to better understand the labour market experiences and outcomes of low-wage and precariously employed gay, bisexual, and queer men. We will critically examine how the experiences of these men are shaped and facilitated within contemporary socio-political and economic contexts. In partnership with employment agencies throughout Toronto, we are interested in developing strategies for service providers and employers, as well as informing policy, to reduce barriers to stable and safe work.

Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Access to Services in Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic (S.M.A.S.H COVID)

The mental health and substance use care needs of gender and sexually diverse youth have been strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. This project aims to identify and address the unmet needs and gaps in service and care for youth and young adults ages 16-29. A baseline survey with COVID specific questions, 6-month follow up and the development of a risk prediction tool to predict and analyze outcomes. The project will co-design using a design charrette method to develop and improve access to virtual programming and services. The project will mobilize knowledge by providing policy and practice recommendations nationally and internationally.

Centre for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research

The Centre for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research is a new knowledge and research hub at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Our Centre is a home for interdisciplinary community-engaged researchers working to address the social determinants of health inequities and improve the health of diverse sexual and gender minority populations locally and globally. We are committed to producing knowledge that will help us promote health equity and meaningfully impact policy, service delivery, and community-based interventions to improve the sexual, physical, and mental health of sexual and gender minorities.

QueerCOVIDTO

QueerCOVIDTO is a study of the mental health of sexual and gender minority people living in Toronto during the COVID-19 global pandemic. This project aims to document the impact of public health measures (for example, social distancing and self-isolation) on 2SLGBTQIA+ (2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender) people's mental health and well-being; identify how 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience current government and public health responses to COVID-19; document 2SLGBTQIA+ people’s knowledge, practices, concerns, and resilience around COVID-19; explore socioeconomic factors shaping 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 crisis; recognize differences and variations among SGM communities' experiences of COVID-19; and raise awareness among (and issue a call to action to) policymakers and health service sectors regarding 2SLGBTQIA+ health and socioeconomic concerns.

A Narrative Investigation of Asexual Identity Formation and Well-Being

The purpose of this study is to examine the life experiences of asexual individuals, and the role that these life experiences play in asexual identity development. This study builds on previous research with asexual people by being the first to apply a narrative identity framework, which allows for the systematic and quantitative study of the narrative content of asexual identities, the narrative processes in developing an asexual identity, and infer whether the narrative content and processes in asexual identity development is important for their well-being.

Inequalities in Poverty Indicators, Mental Health Outcomes, Physical Health Outcomes, and Mortality by Sexual Orientation in Canada

This research aims to examine food insecurity inequalities among Canadians by their sexual orientation identity, and examine how poverty (measured by several socioeconomic statuses) may explain the health inequalities by sexual orientation (alone and intersection with other social positions), using population-based data in Canada. In this study, we will particularly focus on the analysis of the inequalities among bisexuals vs. gay/lesbian and heterosexuals.

Building Competence, Building Capacity: 2SLGBTQ2+ Focused Trauma-Informed Care

We are developing, delivering and evaluating curriculum for a workshop aimed at increasing health and social service providers' ability to provide trauma-informed care to 2SLGBTQ+ folks. The workshop is currently being piloted across Ontario in Toronto, London, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Kingston and Windsor. The workshop is for multi-disciplinary providers working in healthcare, mental health, social services, and the anti-violence sector. We hope that the training will prevent stigmatization, alienation or the re-traumatization of 2SLGBTQ+ survivors who access support.

Exploring the Attitudes of Ontario Midwives Towards Sexual and Gender Minority People

This is a paper- and web-based survey that aims to produce new knowledge about midwives' attitudes and how they might be shaped. This research matters because understanding what shapes Ontario midwives' attitudes towards SGM might help ensure midwives are able to provide quality, inclusive care to all SGM, which could play an important role in reducing health disparities of SGM and creating midwifery care that is inclusive, safe and celebratory of SGM.

The Canadian Coalition Against LGBTQ+ Poverty

Did you know that LGBTQ+ people are more likely than our heterosexual, cisgender counterparts to live in poverty? The Re:searching for LGBTQ2S+ Health team has brought together a group of academic researchers, community organizations, and anti-poverty advocates to form a new coalition to address this issue—the Canadian Coalition Against LGBTQ+ Poverty (CCALP).