Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) newcomers are an integral, though often invisible, part of immigrant, refugee and LGBTQ+ communities. Experiencing marginalization from within cultural communities and mainstream LGBTQ+ communities often leaves individuals feeling that there are few options for obtaining services.
Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO), a program of Sherbourne Health, led a needs assessment to learn about ongoing concerns and challenges faced by trans and non-binary children and youth; their parents and caregivers; and their service providers.
Canada is introducing the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership, which will support more Canadians in privately sponsoring LGBTQ2 refugees who are fleeing violence and persecution.
Reports caution that the proportion of LGBTQ2S youth experiencing homelessness may be much higher, given that many LGBTQ2S youth do not access shelters due to homophobia and transphobia and that many shelters do not collect data regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.