We've Survived Before: An Intergenerational, LGBTQ+ Youth- Led Response to COVID-19

Erin Fredericks

Nathan Thompson

Impact

  • In 2021, the project received national spotlight as it became an exclusive article on Canada’s national public broadcaster Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/erin-fredericks-sociology-lgbtq-generation-gap-1.5914587).

  • The researchers also presented this project to important policy makers in New Brunswick such as Members of the Legislative Assembly and Deputy Ministers.

  • This research project resulted in the creation of a mental health and belonging program curriculum to help adults in urban and rural areas running a queer, trans and non-binary group across the country to teach community resilience. The program consisted of workshops and lesson plans.

  • At the time of completion, the researchers were in the early stages of developing the project in form of school-program across Canada.

  • New Brunswick

  • Grant

  • St. Thomas University

  • Block House Counseling

  • Research NB

  • 2020-2021

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ Mental Health

  • Youth (aged 13-18)

About the Project

To address the 2SLGBTQIA+ community’s higher rates of mental health challenges due to social marginalization, this research project aimed to identify the mental health needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. A social belonging program was developed for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth based on resiliency skills learned from 2SLGBTQIA+ members who lived through the AIDS epidemic (1980-1990 and beyond) (named “elders”). This youth-led mental health intervention promoted intergenerational connections within the LGBTQ+ community, creating a sense of community and community resilience to help them navigate difficult times.

Methodology

In phase 1 of the study, the researchers conducted video-recorded interviews of 5 2SLGBTQIA+ NB-based “elders” who lived through the AIDS epidemic. “Elder” participants reflected on the community strengths that supported their resilience through this difficult time. A small group of queer, trans, and non-binary youth aged 18-20 were then recruited to form a youth leadership team and attend 5 virtual workshops. In these workshops, community health needs and strengths of these youth were identified through open discussions. Youth also learned about 2SLGBTQIA+ “elders” and their experiences living through the AIDS epidemic to further resilience as a community. In phase 2, two groups of queer, trans, and non-binary youth aged 15-17 were recruited through a school system and attended a 4-week belonging and mental health program.

Findings

  • During the pandemic, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community reported being 3 times more likely to attempt self-harm and resort to cannabis use as a coping mechanism.

  • Compared to the “elders” in this study, youth members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community felt less connected to their communities in terms of belonging and support.

  • This study found that there is a need for community-based practices for mental health to promote community connection for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth as they suffered worsening mental health during and post-pandemic.

Project Outreach

This project aimed to support the mental health of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It gained national recognition through CBC and engaged with policymakers in New Brunswick.

Resources Created

  • Academic articles and presentations are forthcoming

  • Three conference panels were hosted

  • A research Zine was created and posted on social media.

  • Video interviews with 2SLGBTQIA+ elders to teach community resilience were made available for open and free access.

  • Developed a mental health and belonging programs including a series of workshops and lesson plans (available on www.imaginingfutures.ca/weve-survived-before.html).

  • MHRC Spotlight on Research Webinar: