Survey on 2SLGBTQ+ poverty opens to residents of Atlantic Canada

How widespread—and persistent—is poverty within 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Canada? Municipal and provincial 2SLGBTQ+ poverty-related studies offer some glimpses, but there is no national measure. Through conducting the first national study addressing poverty in 2SLGBTQ+ communities, a research project housed at York University looks to fill that gap.

Led by Nick Mulé, York University professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies cross-appointed to the Faculty of Health, the 2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada: Improving Livelihood and Social Wellbeing study launched a national survey in June, which is being rolled out across the country, province-by-province, territory-by-territory. Today that survey opens to residents of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Mulé, who is also the director of the 2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada Project, says a motivating factor driving the research was hearing from community organizations that their advocacy was hitting roadblocks when policymakers and governments would ask for evidence.

Recognizing this need for nationally representative data to inform policy, funding, and programming decisions in government, academia and at the community level, the project is dedicated to producing high-impact, policy-relevant knowledge.

"We hope to produce outputs that will be helpful to the community, that they can use, and that we will use as researchers to advocate for change," says Mulé. The project was awarded $2.5 million in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Residents of Atlantic Canada 16 years or older and who are members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities are encouraged to contribute to this research by participating in the study.

The comprehensive survey covers individual and household incomes, employment, education levels, housing stability, food security, access to health care and social support, experiences of discrimination and more. This critical information will allow for reliable comparisons between 2SLGBTQ+ people and the general population. The survey also allows respondents to indicate whether they would be interested in participating in individual interviews, a focus group, or both.

For more information about the national survey or the 2SLGBTQ+ Poverty in Canada Project, read the full media release or visit the study's website.

Provided by York University