The LBGT community
October 21, 2009
Understanding Calgary's LGBT community
U of C study explores the needs, barriers, and best practices for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified (LGBT) communities in Calgary
Results from a study to better understand the issues facing the LGBT community were released today by assistant professor Jessica Ayala and by the University of Calgary’s Centre for Social Work Research and Development.
Her study includes a literature review, an Internet survey with members of the LGBT communities, an environmental scan to identify current programming needs/gaps and barriers to providing services to the LGBT communities and a PhotoVoice project, to allow youth to speak about their stories, issues and needs.
“In a city the size of Calgary, it is absolutely critical that the needs of every community are recognized and addressed,” says Ayala. “This study highlights the needs of a community not often spoken about in Calgary and demonstrates that local organizations are striving to make Calgary a truly inclusive community.”
The PhotoVoice project gave LGBT youth an opportunity to express some of the issues they face living in Calgary and being LGBT. This art show, entitled (eye)dentities, will be presented at the event. The external survey, reaching a total of 230 Calgary LGBT members, covered a variety of topics including the top needs within the community.
Three-quarters (73 percent) of LGBT individuals say that it is an important part of their identity as a person to be connected to their community. And while there is a desire to reach out and connect with others, there is a gap in the services available to LGBT community members to do so. When asked about those services available today or into the future, nine-in-ten (90 percent) of those surveyed report that Calgary needs a centre of LGBT community, a hub or core centre for services, programs, groups, activities and advocacy.
Over half of community members surveyed (56 percent) are aware of the Out-is-OK LGBTQ support line (1-877-OUT-IS-OK) a fundamental service provided by Calgary OutLink, in partnership with the Distress Centre.
“While recognition of the service within the community is a key measure of success, it is even more important that this lifeline be recognized among the broader population of youth, as a source of information and support in a time of need,” says Melissa Luhtanen, president of Calgary OutLink, a centre for gender and sexual diversity that provides support, safety and fellowship to people in Calgary and the surrounding area who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-identified and questioning.
