By Neil Armstrong
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| Sex Now Online survey wants to hear from Black Two-Spirit, Gay, Bisexual, Queer Transgender and Cisgender (2SGBQT) men |
The Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) and its Sex Now Survey team are working with the
Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance (GMSH) and other organizations in Ontario to
reach Black Two-Spirit, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Transgender and Cisgender (2SGBQT)
men regarding barriers affecting their sexual health.
It notes that their healthcare-related needs and experiences are unique
and that 2SGBQT men are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and
violence, migration, and HIV.
“We use substances differently, experience more mental health issues,
and have unique social, sexual and community connections. And these issues look
different depending on other aspects of the identities we hold – including
racial, gender and Indigenous identities to name but a few,” says the GBRC and
its collaborators in a press release.
“Despite our unique needs and interests, health and community services
do not always address these well due to a range of barriers. These barriers are
challenging, complex, and often interrelated issues that require responses
driven by people within our own communities to ensure we are addressing our
health needs appropriately.”
They note that research has an impact on the health and wellbeing of 2SGBQT
men by illuminating the challenges and strengths within these communities and
proposing possible solutions.
“And research findings can be a power tool for advocacy for our health
needs and education.”
In the report of the African, Caribbean, Black (ACB) Same Gender Loving
(SGL) Men’s Dialogue held on March 21 and 22 in Toronto this year, participants
identified data gaps related to Black gay men’s sexual health needs and issues.
They are also calling for a robust collection of information to fill
those gaps for which this survey provides the opportunity.
The CBRC aims to address these needs through grassroots, community-led
research initiatives.
Since 2002, “Sex Now” has provided a critical source of data “on the
health of our communities, first in BC, then expanding nationally in 2010 across
Canada in order to inform innovative responses to our health needs. Our
approach to this work is simple: nothing
about us, without us.”
“Our communities tell us what their priorities are, ensure we’re asking
the right questions to the right people, and utilize their networks to get the
word out and help expand the reach and diversity of our participants.”
The CBRC is working with
activists and community groups across the country -- nearly 100 of them -- to
reach folks across diverse communities in its “Sex Now Online 2019.”
“We need your help. By responding to this survey, and sharing it within
your networks, you can help provide crucial information on the health and
wellness of our communities today,” says the research centre.
It said this evidence will be used by CBRC and its community partners
across the country to improve and advocate for the health of these communities.
“In Ontario, the GMSH will work with the Ontario HIV Treatment Network
(OHTN) and other organizations to ensure we can get the findings out to the
community and benefit from Sex Now data as we advocate for our needs and plan
programs and services. Your contributions through Sex Now will inform new, creative,
and community-informed strategies to make health services and interventions
more effective and accessible.”
You can add your voice here www.cbrc.net/sexnow and share this
link to help include as many voices as possible in Sex Now 2019.
The organizers are urging respondents to complete the survey by January 20, 2020.
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