Projects will help break down barriers to gender equality and support in LGBTQ2 communities
May 17, 2019 – Fredericton, New Brunswick – Public Health Agency of Canada
Gender-based violence has a disproportionate impact on LGBTQ2 people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit). Based on self-reported data, people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are three times more likely to experience violent victimization than heterosexuals. In addition, there is some evidence that transgender people experience intimate partner violence at almost twice the rate of cis-gender people.
Today, Member of Parliament, Matt DeCourcey, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announced $2.8 million to support four initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing gender‑based violence for LGBTQ2 people.
The following organizations are receiving funding to develop and deliver programs and interventions that will support LGBTQ2 people and address gender-based violence in communities across Canada: Egale Canada, the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and The 519, based in Toronto. These programs will help address the root causes of gender-based violence and equip health professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to support survivors of violence.
MP DeCourcey made the announcement on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, while attending Egale Canada’s biennial OUTShine Summit. The Summit brings LGBTQ2 people and secondary school youth together with educators and community members to discuss school initiatives, share resources and experiences, network, and celebrate identities.
Quotes
“LGBTQ2 Canadians have been, and continue to be, deeply affected by homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, along with other forms of discrimination. The Government of Canada is working with partners across the country to address the root causes of gender-based violence, promote gender equality, and support survivors of violence in ways that are sensitive to their needs and relevant to their experiences. The projects announced today will build on these efforts to support people who identify as LGBTQ2 and achieve our goal of ending gender‑based violence.”
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
“When half of all LGBTQ2 individuals in Canada report experiencing gender-based violence, it is a national crisis that calls for an immediate response. That is why our government is investing in The 519’s project to use a rapid response approach to respond to violence targeting LGBTQ2 communities. By supporting work like this, we are helping to ensure much-needed support and resources to those most at-risk of experiencing gender-based violence.”
The Honourable Maryam Monsef
Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
“Through our work at Egale Youth OUTreach mental health counselling and drop-in centre, we know all too well the dangers and prevalence of gender-based violence experienced by LGBTQI2S young people. With the funding from PHAC, Egale aims to identify, address, and hopefully prevent dating violence experienced by LGBTQI2S teens and youth.”
Helen Kennedy
Executive Director, Egale Canada
Quick facts
- Funding for these projects is provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Women and Gender Equality Canada as part of Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence.
- Violence against women, girls, and LGBTQ2 people is one of the most widespread, persistent, and devastating human rights violations around the world.
- Globally, it is estimated that one in three women experiences intimate partner violence in her lifetime.
- In more than 70 countries, laws that criminalize LGBTQ2 people perpetuate gender‑based violence against members of these communities.
- In Canada, nearly half of people aged 15 and older who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual report having experienced childhood physical or sexual abuse, compared to 30% of heterosexual people.
- In June 2019, Canada will host the Women Deliver Conference, the world’s largest conference on gender equality and the health, rights and wellbeing of girls and women.