Improving substance use care for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth in British Columbia

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth (GLBY) are at increased risk of experiencing substance use disorders (SUD) in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts. The aim of Dr. Ferlatte’s research is to identify the factors associated with SUD experienced by GLBY to inform interventions.

This will include:

1. Examining individual, social and structural factors that influence SUD among GLBY through photovoice methods.
2. Identifying challenges experienced by GLBY in accessing SUD-related care by gathering experiences through an online survey.
3. Identifying how a coordinated set of interventions and policies could best be adapted to address SUD among GLBY through two world cafés, where GLBY and other stakeholders (e.g., intervention decision makers) will be invited to identify solutions to this issue.

The findings of this research will be shared through presentations, articles, and photovoice exhibitions to inform policy and programming decision-making that improves SUD care for GLBY.