The diversity and complexity of our communities of gay, bi, and queer men, including trans men and Two-Spirit people (GBT2Q), have often made us difficult for outsiders to research. However, research has an impact on our health and wellbeing by illuminating the challenges our communities face and proposing possible solutions. Our needs and experiences are unique. We are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and violence, migration, and HIV. We use substances differently, experience more mental health issues, and have unique social, sexual and community connections.
Additionally, our communities are diverse, composed of people of various ethnicities, sexual and gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, geographic locations (i.e., rural vs. urban), and lived experiences. These shape our ability to access support and care, and ultimately our health and wellness. These are difficult, complex, and often interrelated issues that require responses driven by people within our own communities to ensure we are addressing our health needs appropriately.
Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) and our Sex Now Survey team are addressing these needs through grassroots, community-led research initiatives. Since 2002, Sex Now has provided a critical source of data on the health of our communities, first in BC, then expanding nationally in 2010 across Canada in order to inform innovative responses to our health needs. Our approach to this work is simple: nothing about us, without us.
Our communities tell us what their priorities are, ensure we’re asking the right questions to the right people, and utilize their networks to get the word out and help expand the reach and diversity of our participants.
To this end, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Sex Now Online 2019! We’re working with activists and community groups across the country (nearly 100 of them) to reach folks across our diverse communities. By adding your voice to this conversation, you can provide crucial information on the health and wellness of our communities today.
This evidence will be used by CBRC and our community partners across the country to improve and advocate for the health of our communities. Your contributions through Sex Now will inform new, creative, and community-informed strategies to make health services and interventions more effective and accessible.
If you’re interested in learning more about the survey or finding out how you can add your voice, please visit www.cbrc.net/sexnow.
