Research

Stories Of Our World: The Experiences of Sexual Minority Youth in Immigrant, Refugee, and Visible Minority Communities

Investigators: Dr Shaniff Esmail, Larry Brockman, Wayne Creary, and Roz Zulla

Background: The needs of sexual minority youth in immigrant, refugee, and visible minority communities are still not completely understood. Nevertheless, past research does highlight some recurring issues encountered by this segment of the population (e.g., coming out to families and communities, accessing resources). While research indicates some similarities between sexual minority youth from Caucasian middle-class backgrounds and other ethnocultural communities, negotiating a sexual minority identity within one or more communities can present unique challenges. OPTIONS - Sexual Health Association, Diversity of Identities Acceptance of All Minds (DIAM), the Alberta Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health (ASPSH) and the University of Alberta have joined to learn about the experiences of this group of youth and explore ways to overcome these barriers.

Purpose: This study will answer the following questions:

1. What are the current experiences of sexual minority youth from immigrant, refugee and visible minority communities?
2. What are the key barriers to full participation in the community that these young people face?
3. What effects does community or culture of origin have on the experiences of the young people? What is similar and what is different about the experiences of young people in different communities or cultures of origin?
4. What factors prevent organizations from answering the needs of sexual minority youth from immigrant, refugee, or visible minority communities?
5. What can funded organizations do to help sexual minority youth from immigrant, refugee and visible minority communities?

Study Procedures:You will be asked to participate in a survey. You have the choice of completing this survey online on a secure server or face to face with one of the investigators. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes. At the end of the survey you will be asked to indicate whether you would like to participate to a follow-up focus group but you are not obligated to participate if you do not wish to do so.

Voluntary Participation: You should only participate if you want to. You do not have to take part, and you can stop at any time during the survey or interview. You can also skip questions you do not want to answer and still be able to submit the rest of your responses.

Confidentiality: All the information you provide is confidential. Any identifying information will be removed from your survey and a number will be assigned to your file. Surveys will be stored in a locked cabinet for a period of 5 years and only the investigators will have access to this information. Any contact information you provide for the purpose of participating in the follow-up focus group will be erased following the event.

Benefits: The findings of this study will help us develop better programs and resources for sexual minority youth in visible minority immigrant and refugee communities. Costs of public transportation and/or parking for people who participate in a face to face interview will be covered.

Risks: If you feel uncomfortable with the subject matter, you are free to stop participating at any time. If the questions are upsetting for you, the researchers will give you contact information for a range of organizations that can help you address any issue that emerges.

If you have any questions or would like additional information please contact Maddi Genovese at maddioptions@gmail.com or by phone at 780.423.3737 ext 205.

Thank you for your interest in Stories Of Our World. We look forward to hearing from you!