Not all research is created equally. The truth is, what matters to you may not matter to everyone else. But it matters to us.
In Alberta, there is a huge gap in queer and trans health research. The QTHC is working to help close that gap through a range of internal and collaborative research initiatives. You can learn more about some of these initiatives by checking out the links below.
The QTHC is committed to the principles of community-based participatory research. This includes ensuring that our research initiatives reflect the needs shared by the community, that our research projects are designed and led by community, and that all results are shared with community in an accessible way. We also ensure that results are shared with decision-makers to inform improved policy, programming, and practice, to ensure that community members have better access to the care and services they need.
The QTHC also runs the Investigaytors program, in partnership with the Community-Based Research Centre. Investigaytors is a community health leadership program which provides opportunity for community members to learn community-based research skills (such as quantitative analysis) and apply those skills through the execution of their own self-directed research project. To learn more about the program or get involved, click here.
COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH PROJECTS
Alberta 2s/lgbtqia+ Substance use survey
In 2023, the Queer & Trans Health Collective ran a province-wide survey on substance use within the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. The survey examined the use of non-legalized substances within our community and asked questions about harm reduction needs, mental health, and sexualized substance use.
QUEER HEALTH: QUESTIONING USE AND EXPERIENCE ENGAGING IN AND RECEIVING HEALTHCARE IN ALBERTA
In 2021, Investigaytors explored the current state of affirming healthcare in Alberta, and what factors contributed to positive and negative experiences for queer and trans folks accessing healthcare in the province. The resulting qualitative and quantitative data and analysis led to tip sheets for both community members to self-advocate for better healthcare experiences, and for healthcare providers to provide more affirming experiences for their patients.
Reflections on Gender Identity and Expression During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, Investigaytors looked a little different as we adapted to COVID-19. Not only did we run all of our weekly sessions online, the pandemic actually shaped our research as well. This was the first time our Alberta-based team of Investigaytors conducted qualitative research, and it was a really rewarding journey to work through the entire research process, from deciding what we wanted to research, to interviewing members of our community, to analyzing and presenting our findings.
Edmonton 2sLGBTQ+ Substance Use Survey
We know LGBTQ2S+ individuals use substances at higher rates than the general population. However, very little is known at a local level about the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who use substances and their access to relevant harm reduction tools, supports, and services. The QTHC, Fruit Loop, and the Edmonton 2 Spirit Society designed and delivered a survey aimed at filling these knowledge gaps. Check out the results at the link below.
Alberta Prep access surveys
In 2016, the QTHC designed and delivered two provincial surveys aimed at better understanding access barriers to HIV PrEP. The results of both surveys can be found on our PrEP Alberta website through the link below.
Investigaytors Projects 2019
Over spring and summer 2019, a group of queer and trans community members met weekly to learn about community-based research and to conduct their own research projects. Here’s what they found.