June is PRIDE month in Toronto! What is Pride and what does it mean for LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer) newcomers? Access Alliance’s programming recognizes that LGBTQ+ newcomers face particular challenges in adjusting to their new country. We provide settlement counselling that supports clients to find their way in Toronto and develop increased confidence and pride in who they are. Our expressive arts program allows LGBTQ newcomers to use art to explore issues and experiences that are important or meaningful to them. Among our innovative projects to address the needs of the LGBTQ immigrant community is our recently completed Among Friends Initiative. This training and capacity building project supported other community-based agencies to create positive and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ newcomers. Training, workshops and resources were provided by our LGBTQ newcomer volunteers. Find out more at www.accessalliance.com/lgbtq

1. Ranjith Kulatilake
Community Health Worker – LGBTQ+ Newcomer Initiatives
June 17, 2013
Accessing Alliances for
LGBTQ+ Newcomers

2. Life
Sunlight
Spirit
Serenity/ Harmony
Nature
Healing
What is in this Rainbow?

3. What is Pride…
to You?
From the very beginning, Pride has
been connected to a sense of place.
J.P. Larocque, X-tra June 11, 2013
Identity
Diversity Power
PoliticsCelebration
Joy
Fullness
Fun
Acceptance
Human Rights
Struggles
Inclusiveness
Justice
Love
HappinessVisibility
Equality
Dignity
Peace
Resistance
Unity
Differences
Pride means that LGBTQ+ people should not keep the fact of their sexuality secret
and that they should be proud of it instead. Cambridge Dictionary (online, 6/16/2013)
Confidence
Freedom
Coming Out
Being an Ally
Achievements
Sharing
Questioning
Listening
Courage
Sense of Community

4. Pride for LGBTQ + Newcomers? – A Reality Check
Source: bbc.co.uk (6/16, 2013)

5. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association - 2013
Pride for LGBTQ + Newcomers? – A Reality Check
Source: ILGA World, 5/9/ 2013
Homosexuality is illegal in 91 countries, punishable by death penalty in 7 countries:
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Nigeria, Mauritania, Sudan and Yemen.

6. Pride for LGBTQ + Newcomers? –
A Reality Check
Racism
Classism
Heterosexism
Xenophobia
Homo/Bi/Transphobia
Immigration
Status
Social Isolation
Impact on Health Outcomes
Adapted from Among Friends Training Module, Access Alliance

7. Pride vs. Realities of LGBTQ+ Newcomers
• Dealing with sexuality being in Canada ->
Finding support in the Canadian LGBTQ
communities -> Not finding newcomer
positive services
• Queerness often not the first and only thing
on agenda -> Need same support as other
newcomers
• Lack of overall LGBTQ positive services
Adapted from Among Friends Training Module, Access Alliance

8. Pride vs. Realities of LGBTQ+ Newcomers
• Different channels of arrival -> Impacting health
and wellbeing
• Understanding of Canada as a safe heaven for
LGBTQ -> Feeling of shock when that does not
materialize
• Belief of lack of support from communities of
origin -> Protecting themselves from others
finding out
Adapted from Among Friends Training Module, Access Alliance

9. Pride vs. Realities of LGBTQ+ Newcomers
• Often facing persecution in home country -> Increase
challenges in learning and retention of language
• Interpreter anxiety -> Not communicating/ being able to
communicate legal/medical/personal information
• Often sent to Church street to meet new people ->
Different levels of awareness about STIs and HIV/AID
• Lack of access to meaningful employment and volunteer
opportunities -> increase isolation and decrease civil
participation
Adapted from Among Friends Training Module, Access Alliance

10. Q: So, can you identify an LGBTQ+
Newcomer?
A: Can you identify a Straight
Newcomer?

11. • I don’t know any lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or queer
clients.
• Usually I can ‘spot’ a lesbian, a gay man or a trans-
person,
• But there aren’t any LGBTQ clients I can see.
• Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans is abnormal and
unnatural.
• I don’t know how to help LGBTQ clients.
Pride for LGBTQ + Newcomers? –
A Reality Check
Adapted from Among Friends Training Module, Access Alliance

12. Forming Alliances… some Tips
• Do not assume
• Do NOT stereotype
• Do not ask: ‘Are you married?’, ‘Do you have
family/ children back home?’, ‘Are you on
birth control pills?’
• No there is nothing ‘sensitive’ about being
LGBTQ+ . It’s not a sensitive issue.
• Confront your own assumptions, phobias

13. Forming Alliances… some Tips
• Be welcoming, empathetic
• Be the first to introduce yourself: as an LGBTQ+ Ally
• Provide info on the services available for LGBTQ
newcomers
• Assure confidentiality, the right to be who you
are, AA policy, the existence of legal protections
• Let the clients talk, be an ‘active listener’
• Create and sustain a comfortable, positive space
• Do ask, ‘How can I be of help to you?’

14. Let’s share some of (y)our
experiences with LGBTQ
Clients and/ or Participants
Thank you!