Community-based Assessment of LGBTQ/2S Education and Research in British Columbia

Research co-leads:

  • Kate Shannon
    University of British Columbia 
  • Tara Lyons
    BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

Research user co-lead:

  • Joel Harnest
    QMUNITY

Team members:

  • Jill Chettiar
    University of British Columbia 
  • Lulu Gurney
    BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

This project will bring together a wide range of community members, researchers and stakeholders involved in education and research activities relating to LGBTQ/2S issues. The objective is to compare the content and pedagogical approaches of education sessions carried out by different individuals and organizations, to examine and critically inquire about the ways sharing and building of new knowledge pertaining to LGBTQ/2S communities are approached.

The approach is two-pronged, targeting both education (sharing knowledge) and research (building knowledge).

First is reviewing and auditing the content and pedagogical approaches of education sessions and materials used by different individuals and organizations across BC; to examine and critically inquire about the ways teaching and sharing existing knowledge is approached. There are several organizations and individuals doing education in the areas of queer, trans and two-spirit competency training and with the influx of education needs and trainers, there are several gaps in the collective educational approach at this time. Many educators and trainers are training and developing curriculum ad hoc without the ability to strategically develop educational practices and approaches. Besides providing a comprehensive and cohesive foundation for future LGBTQ/2S education work, this gathering will be an opportunity for peer support amongst educators, and enable the establishment of a province-wide support network.

Second is developing a vision for a new research project focused on trans, two-spirit and gender diverse people in BC. The planned meeting of stakeholders will consult on the priorities and interests of community members and allies regarding a future study. Specific objectives are to establish a provincial research advisory board, identify funding opportunities, and develop research objectives and guiding principles for the theoretical framework and methodologies for the future project. This research will further support the above educational work by providing local data for future materials and interventions.