Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
1) Examine specific demographic details such as length of arrival, migrant status, and level of education within larger sample sizes.
2) Conduct a similar study in rural or small urban areas to analyze different experiences compared to the urban-metropolitan city used in this study
Integration timeline: 3 – 36 months in Calgary
Key populations: LGBTQ+ newcomers now living in Calgary, AB
Key recommendations:
1) Create a welcoming environment in newcomer serving organizations by having diverse staff and affirming signage
2) Mandate anti-racist and anti-homophobia training in newcomer serving organizations
3) Develop programs and interventions that allow LGBTQ+ newcomers to meet one another, such as through group-based interventions or relational approaches to minimize loneliness and isolation
4) Center the experiences and voices of LGBTQ+ newcomers in service delivery, such as through participatory means, having a task force, or conducting community consultations.
5) Engage in community-building efforts and policy advocacy through education campaigns, community organizing, or coalition-building to address the experiences of exclusion that LGBTQ+ newcomers feel within diasporic or mainstream LGBTQ+ communities
Community organizations: n/a
Key findings:
1) LGBTQ+ newcomers face various challenges, such as discrimination, and navigating cultural differences alongside new systems.
2) While adverse experiences were identified, participants also described spaces that elicit a sense of safety. Entering spaces free of judgment, where one can feel authentic to oneself, and fostering community and a sense of belonging, are critical facets of experiencing safety.
3) Several mechanisms were employed to navigate safety, including concealing one’s identity, avoiding diasporic communities, or trusting one’s instinct.
