check out the findings from the first alberta-wide study on 2s/LGBQTIA+ Substance use

In 2018 QTHC conducted a small scale survey of substance use among gay and bi men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Edmonton to inform PnP. Five years later, we decided to develop a new community survey that provides a current snapshot of substance use among the broader 2S/LGBTQIA+ community in Alberta. The online survey consisted of around 100 questions developed with direction from PnP’s Community Advisory Team.

We are excited to share our results back with the community! Check out the summary sheets below and click the image to learn more.

Reasons for substance use among 2s/lgbtqia+ AlbertanS

harm reduction supports and services

What our community wants

The need for accessible mental health supports

Full report:

Want to know more? Check out the full report by clicking the image. This report presents a summary of what substances are being used in the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community and at what frequency, reasons our community members have for using different substances, their personal substance use goals, knowledge and use of harm reduction services, barriers to support, and perspectives on what kinds of harm reduction services and information are most needed. 

The aim of this report is to share our findings with service providers and others working in both the harm reduction and 2S/LGBTQIA+ sectors for capacity building. Having access to current, local knowledge produced by the community for the community will help us collectively develop and deliver programming best suited to meet community needs and advocate for the changes necessary to see 2S/LGBTQIA+ Albertans thrive.

While the results of this community survey point to some clear community needs and gaps in existing services, more research is needed with larger sample sizes to better understand the experiences of our community here in Alberta and across the country. It is our hope that this report will help inform the development of future programming and services designed to support and empower 2S/LGBTQIA+ substance users, and will lead to a better understanding of the needs and desires of our community.