Colonization’s effects on sexual health continue to plague 2SLGBTQIA+ folks

From the very beginning, Canada has marginalized and exploited Indigenous, Black, and racialized peoples for the benefit of white settlers. Colonialism affected Indigenous communities in particular, disrupting their ways of life, and robbing them of their lands, cultures, and languages.

To this day, the effects of colonialism continue to negatively affect sexual healthcare services for the QTBIPOC community. Queer and trans folks face healthcare providers who refuse to affirm their experiences or understand their unique health needs. Compounding this problem, Indigenous, Black, and racialized folks face racism from healthcare systems and providers. Folks who embody these vibrant and complex identities ultimately receive inadequate care for their sexual health.

In 2021, the Pivot cohort centered these issues. They connected with QTBIPOC healthcare advocates and organizations to learn more about the problems at hand, and asked the following questions: 

  • How has colonization affected the sexual health of QTBIPOC communities and people? 

  • How does colonization continue to affect sexual health provision for QTBIPOC communities?, and, 

  • What are potential solutions for improving access to sexual health provisions for QTBIPOC communities?

Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, the community members interviewed in these videos share their thoughts on how QTBIPOC folks are most affected by Canada’s colonial past, and reflect on what solutions for decolonizing sexual healthcare might look like.

This project was created by participants of the 2021-22 Pivot program, a community health leadership program giving 2SLGBTQIA+ folks the skills and connections to organize and create systems change. Learn more about the program and how to sign up here!

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The QTHC is based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ) within Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting ground and home of the Nêhiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nahkawininiwak (Saulteaux), Niitsítapi (Blackfoot), and Îyârhe Nakoda (Nakota Sioux), as well as nations not represented by the treaty, and is located in Region 4 of the Métis Nation of Alberta. We commit to engaging in an ongoing process of decolonization, and will strive to conduct our work in an anti-oppressive and anti-racist way, working towards equity, empowerment, and inclusion for all Two Spirit, queer, trans, and non-binary people.