Project Description

2SLGBTQ+ individuals may experience unique dynamics of ongoing prejudice and discrimination based on their gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender.  

Acts of prejudice and discrimination can range from subtle microaggressions, bullying, and exclusion to instances of overt physical and sexual violence.  These acts are collectively termed gender-based violence (GBV) even though not all these acts conform to the traditional definition of violence. 

This project aims to explore the process of psychological healing from these experiences in 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. 

recruitment poster

What is gender-based violence? 

any violence that targets individuals because of their real or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexuality.  

This can include acts, such as, physical violence, sexual violence, discrimination, social exclusion, bullying, or slights. 

Criteria to participate

  • Identify as 2SLGBTQ+. 
  • Indicate being over 18 years of age. 
  • Currently live in either Saskatchewan, Alberta, or Manitoba. 
  • Report experiencing prejudice, discrimination, or GBV related to their 2SLGBTQ+ identity. 
  • Report having made progress healing from these events. 
  • Have not experienced any distress or struggles related to the events over the past 6-months. 

Participants’ Role

Interested participants who meet the study’s criteria are invited to meet with the researcher in-person or online to partake in an interview. During the interview the researcher will ask you about your healing experiences, describing influential events, meanings, actions, and other elements throughout your healing journey. Participants will not be asked to discuss in-depth details of any GBV experiences. At most, you may be asked the type and frequency of GBV acts that you have experienced. However, you are not required to recall or disclose any details that you are not comfortable discussing.  

Eligible participants will receive a small honorarium to acknowledge their time and contribution to the research.  

How to Participate

For more information or to participate contact andrew.hartman@usask.ca. 

About the Researcher

Andrew Hartman (they/them) is a queer, Metis researcher, completing their Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology, which trains students in designing and evaluating social interventions. Presently, Andrew’s dissertation focuses on understanding the psychological process of healing in 2SLGBTQ+ survivors of gender-based violence. As a program evaluator, Andrew has worked on various 2SLGBTQ+ research projects such as evaluating OUTSaskatoon's queer youth housing program (i.e., Pride Home) and gender-based violence prevention initiative. Outside of school and research, Andrew is the proud zaza to their two cats Voz and Luna. In their spare time Andrew enjoys reading, watching TV, and performing in their Improv group. 

Available Supports

Alberta 

  • Skipping Stone Community Coaching, register at https://www.skippingstone.ca/wellbeing (Peer Non-Crisis Support) 
  • Mental Health Help Line, 403-266-4357 (Crisis Support and Information Line)  
  • Emergency, call 911 (24/7 Emergency Line).  

Manitoba 

  • Rainbow Resource Centre Counselling, October, February, and June intake see  https://rainbowresourcecentre.org/programs/counselling for more information  
  • Klinik Crisis Line, call 1-888-322-3019 (24/7 Crisis Line)  
  • Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line, call 1-877-435-7170 (24/7 Crisis Line) 
  • Emergency, call 911(24/7 Emergency Line).  

Saskatchewan 

  • OUTSaskatoon Counselling, call 306-665-1224 (Counselling) 
  • Student Wellness Centre, call 306-966-5768 (Counselling for University of Saskatchewan students) 
  • Health Line 811, call 811 (Crisis Support and Information Line)  
  • Mobile Crisis Saskatoon, call 306-933-6200 (24/7 Crisis Line) 
  • Emergency, call 911(24/7 Emergency Line).  
This project has been reviewed and approved by the University of Saskatchewan Behavioural Research Ethics Board.