Overview
Seniors, some of the most vulnerable members of Canadian society, have diverse care needs as they grow older. When providing care for the elderly, other aspects of well-being are often forgotten or overshadowed by more immediate and urgent physical and mental healthcare needs. Such aspects of well-being that might be overshadowed include the freedom to live openly as a 2SLGBTQ+ person. There is anecdotal evidence that seniors either feel it necessary to hide their sexuality in senior care contexts, often because of religious-based homophobia/transphobia, and/or they are pressured to renounce their sexuality before death.
This project addresses these obstacles that many 2SLGBTQ+ seniors face when accessing the care they need as they grow older, especially when they need to access care from religious-affiliated organizations.
This project will engage youth leaders in religious educational communities to promote and implement the inclusion and affirmation of 2SLGBTQ+ people. RFF believes that change from within is more effective, profound, and ultimately sustainable than change from external sources and pressures.
The Impact
Research homophobia and transphobia in faith-based schools on LGBTQ+ youth
Do qualitative and quantitative research that will allow us to better understand the impact of religious-based homophobia and transphobia on students in faith-based schools
Research the impact of GSAs in faith-based schools
Do qualitative and quantitative research that will allow us to better understand how Gay-Straight Alliances can mitigate the harm of religious-based homophobia and transphobia in faith-based schools
Understand the impact and scope of the harm caused by faith-based homophobia and transphobia on the students and community members of faith-based schools.
Activities
Create Awareness via Social Media and other outlets that students have the right to organize and form GSAs and/or students can reach out to RFF to connect with faith-based GSAs via our Network.
Develop resources to help students, faculty, and administration create inclusive and affirming environments that counter religious arguments against inclusion and highlight the ways in which the world's major religions prioritize love, compassion, and acceptance over hate and intolerance.
Coordinate a yearly conference for members of Gay-Straight Alliances in Faith-based Schools to create community, share resources, discuss and analyze tactics for creating inclusion and affirmation in their communities.