1. Promoting the wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender forced migrants in Canada: providers’ perspectives
- Author
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Leah Woolner, Hanna Kim, Edward J. Alessi, Sarilee Kahn, and Christina J. Olivieri
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Canada ,Health (social science) ,Health Personnel ,Sexual Behavior ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Criminology ,Grounded theory ,Sexual and Gender Minorities ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Transgender ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Homosexuality ,Qualitative Research ,Reproductive health ,media_common ,Transients and Migrants ,Refugees ,030505 public health ,business.industry ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Social Support ,Gender studies ,Middle Aged ,Service provider ,Mental health ,Mental Health ,Grounded Theory ,Female ,Lesbian ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Psychology ,Qualitative research - Abstract
Researchers are beginning to document the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) forced migrants in settlement. However, studies exploring the perceptions of service providers working with this vulnerable population are limited. These may shed light on the challenges of meeting the needs of LGBT forced migrants, especially mental health issues and problems. This qualitative study elicited the views of 22 Canadian service providers, including advocates, lawyers and mental health practitioners, who serve LGBT forced migrants. Grounded theory analysis revealed the following four themes: facilitating safety, buffering rejection; tracking avoidance patterns; interpreting mental health; and negotiating identity paradigms. Participants' accounts suggest that LGBT forced migrants may be best served by providers who understand the exigencies of establishing trust and safety for their clients; recognise their clients' nuanced social support needs; facilitate the refugee claims process; grasp the complexity of their clients' mental health challenges; and interrogate their own cultural biases regarding sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Published
- 2017
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