Study examines impact of rising discrimination on 2SLGBTQ+ people in N.S. and N.B.

WARNING: This story contains mentions of transphobia, suicidal ideation, and conversion therapy.

A Dalhousie University study aims to understand and help mitigate the impact on 2SLGBTQ+ people's mental health from rising discrimination and rhetoric targeting them.

Researchers began by interviewing 11 community organizations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 

And now, a new phase of the study has begun with the launch of a survey informed by those interviews. It is open to 2SLGBTQ+ people aged 18 or older in the two provinces.

"We really heard from these organizations how much more they're seeing the impact of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric on the people that they're working with," said lead researcher Patrick Hickey, who is part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The study also aims to identify ways to limit that impact.

"We really want to get a better sense of what are people doing to protect their mental health and their well-being against this rhetoric," Hickey said, adding that the goal is to bring the data back to community organizations to inform new support services or education programs, for example.

Hickey believes 2SLGBTQ+ people in the Maritimes have a unique experience and said those living in rural areas need to be recognized.

The survey will be open until the end of August and includes questions about access to social support from friends or family and how experiences with discrimination have changed a person's life. 

While it is anonymous, participants can indicate they're open to a followup interview from a researcher.

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Police-reported hate crimes in Atlantic Canada targeting sexual orientation have been on the rise. And this year, Nova Scotia has seen a number of incidents of vandalism targeting 2SLGBTQ+ businesses and people.

Those incidents have weighed on Rabbi Nachshon Siritsky, a Nova Scotia member of the Queer Interfaith Coalition advocacy group.

"It's like multiple little stabs until we become numb and desensitized and want to give up," he said.

For Hickey, this research feels timely and necessary in light of anti-queer and anti-trans rhetoric coming from the United States, where U.S. president Donald Trump has signed a barrage of executive orders targeting 2SLGBTQ+ people since returning to office. 

"Something that we heard over and over again from community organizations was that ...  rhetoric coming out of the U.S. is having an impact now," Hickey said.

Siritsky, who is transgender and non-binary, previously lived in the U.S., where he experienced transphobia and was forced to undergo conversion therapy — a discredited practice aimed at changing or repressing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy is illegal in Canada, but there is no blanket ban in the U.S.

Siritsky called what is happening now south of the border "terrifying." 

"I was just speaking … to some friends in the States, some of whom have had to detransition to try to stay alive because they can't access hormone therapy safely," he said. Detransition refers to when a person stops or reverses their gender transition.

Siritsky added friends who are not able to leave the U.S. are having thoughts about suicide.

While Nova Scotia is working toward publicly funded, universal mental health care, Siritsky would like to see increased focus on supporting marginalized groups like 2SLGBTQ+ people, who are more likely to have worse mental health.

"Saving lives, when so many of us are trying to fight for a reason to want to believe that life is worth living, has to be a top priority," Siritsky said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to look for help:

• Anyone who has experienced homophobia, transphobia or is affected by these descriptions can look for support through 2SLGBTQ+ services on the It Gets Better Canada website. 

• Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.

• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.

• This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.