I Belong still going strong

I Belong, a program that assists Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) immigrants and refugees with integrating into Canadian society, celebrates its one year anniversary this month. Launched in 2014 as a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) pilot, the program was inspired by a transgender client and a settlement worker who were both struggling…

New study shows problems for transgender youth

In May, the Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre of UBC published a national study focusing on Canada’s transgender youth and their well-being. While the results show that transgender youth face significant physical and mental health issues, they also indicate that a supportive environment is essential. Morgane Oger, a transgender rights activist from Vancouver,…

Queer Box Camp: Imparting the sweet science in a fresh space

Queer Box Camp establishes a unique atmosphere for learning boxing techniques and staying fit in East Vancouver. Coach River Tucker sees the club’s alternative environment as an accessible space for those who do not feel comfortable in traditional boxing environments. “It’s really about having a more open space, mostly in terms of gender identities,” says…

LGBTQ forum a chance to share stories and strength

The Philippine Women Centre of Vancouver, in partnership with the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University and the Congress of Progressive Filipino Canadians, will host a conference that focuses on the struggles and victories of the Filipino LGBTQ community, captured by the stories and experiences of its members. The conference…

New project aimed at accommodating LGBTQ newcomers

MOSAIC Settlement Services has long worked to help refugees and immigrants overcome social and material obstacles during their settlement in Canadian society. The organization now aims to take its commitment to promoting greater and more equal access to employment resources a step further, by implementing a settlement program to identify the needs of LGBTQ newcomers.…