Rural-specific experiences of LGBTQ2S+ individuals are often neglected, and research focusing on this unique population is lacking (Charest et al., 2023; Nic Giolla Easpaig et al., 2022; Rosenkrantz et al., 2017; Whitehead et al., 2016; Logie & Lys, 2015; Okpodi, 2015). There is a call for further research regarding LGBTQ2S+ experiences (Jackson & Tomlinson, 2021; Pelts et al., 2014).

 

In addition, previous studies point to LGBTQ2S+ services’ failure to meet the needs of LGBTQ2S+ populations; either physically limited (Reynish et al., 2023; Jackson & Tomlinson, 2021; Bowman et al., 2020), or inadequately supporting LGBTQ2S+ populations (Reynish et al., 2023; Rosenkrantz et al., 2017; Simeonov et al., 2015). Services may be outdated (Lucas et al., 2024; Hayward & Treharne, 2022; Tollemache et al., 2021; Ayhan et al., 2020; Ross et al., 2018; Eliason & Hughes, 2004), fail to recognize LGBTQ2S+ individuals appropriately (Jackson & Tomlinson, 2021; Okpodi, 2015; Liddle, 2000), or inadequately support the reduction of LGBTQ2S+ stigma within the service’s environment (Bowen et al., 2023; Reynish et al., 2023; Tan et al., 2022; Ayhan et al., 2020; Whitehead et al., 2016).

 

The goal of this research is to contribute knowledge about the experiences and desires of LGBTQ2S+ community members from the rural municipalities across Perth-Huron, with attention to both individual and (institutional/ structural) systemic levels of discrimination. By doing so we will be able to identify not only sources of discrimination but also the root causes of these discriminations. This data will provide a better understanding to service providers, to create effective context-specific programs and services. Further, this data will increase community collaborations to achieve more equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities (following EDI practices). This will include the realization of a more neighborly community with higher levels of inclusiveness, diversity, and wellbeing (mentally and physically), and lower levels of LGBTQ2S+ community exclusion and discrimination. provide a better understanding to service providers, to create effective context-specific programs and services. Further, this data will increase community collaborations to achieve more equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities (following EDI practices). This will include the realization of a more neighborly community with higher levels of inclusiveness, diversity, and wellbeing (mentally and physically), and lower levels of LGBTQ2S+ community exclusion and discrimination.

 

 

There are four objectives:

 

1. Identify areas of neglected research, as well as areas of past project successes in other regions, through a literature review.

2. Determine potential concerns of discrimination and lack of community integration with relation to community services for LGBTQ2S+ individuals through a survey.

 

3. Explore the experiences and desires of LGBTQ2S+ Perth-Huron community members through interviews and focus groups.

 

3. Recommend courses of action to community service providers through knowledge mobilization that is context-specific to the Perth-Huron community.