Q: Tell us a bit about your connection to the HFHT.
A: Since 2010, I’ve been a family physician associated with Hamilton FHT. I have held a number of leadership positions within the HFHT over the ensuing years.
Q: Can you tell us more about your work in the community in connection to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities?
In 2012, we founded the HFHT Positive committee. This committee was used to inform needs across greater Hamilton around 2SLGBTQI+ healthcare and took an active stance in providing education to our members and beyond.
In addition, I, personally support the care of trans+ folk by providing telemedicine and in person consultation.
Q: Based on your experience as a health care provider, what are your thoughts on some of the health disparities and barriers that people within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities experience?
There is very good evidence that the 2SLGBTQI+ communities experience worse health outcomes. This is due to the systemic homo- bi- and trans-phobia that exists within our healthcare system. We know that 2SLGBTQI+ folk are less likely to access care whether it be from the hospital, emergency departments, or family medicine. In a survey done in the early 2000s by Deirdre Pike here in Hamilton, less than 50% of people were comfortable being out to their family doctors. We know that suicidal risk is quite high among trans+ folk in particular with 70% having contemplated suicide and 40% having attempted. The disparities are real and frightening.
Q: What is already in place in Hamilton to help address some of these health disparities, and what is still needed?
While HFHT Positive was running, we made significant strides making the HFHT and its practices a more positive place for queer folk. Through visibility and education, we had significant uptake of principles of provision of equitable care. Since the COVID 19 pandemic, there has been a pause which has been difficult to reboot.
Hamilton Trans Health Coalition has been formed as a grassroots movement to try and improve the care of trans+ folk within the city.
Q: What do you think is the significance of Pride in social justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and beyond?
Pride is a month of visibility. We have come a long way since the early days of activism, however we have yet to achieve full equality. Over the past few years, there has been significant conservatism influencing society and the law. Many people who are not part of our communities feel that we achieved marriage equality, therefore we are equal. The anti-trans legislation that is cropping up around the USA has spread to Canada. Alberta has banned affirming care of trans youth. Saskatchewan and New Brunswick do not allow the use of chosen names and pronouns in school without parents’ consent. Last year there was a “million person march” protesting LGBTQ visibility in school curricula. Now, more than ever, we need to persist and Pride is just as necessary now as it was 40 years ago.
Pride Month Information & Resources
“Pride Month is an annual celebration of the many contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community to history, society and cultures worldwide. In most places, Pride is celebrated throughout the month of June each year in commemoration of its roots in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. However, in some areas—especially in the Southern Hemisphere—pride events occur at other times of the year.”
“The hope is to create a world in which all people feel safer, valued, celebrated, and included, regardless of how they identify or who they love (Pride Toronto’s Vision Statement). Join us in celebrating the right to be united in our fight for existence and acceptance. Pride Month is more than a celebration; it’s a declaration of our collective identity and resilience.” (Kojo Modeste, Executive Director – Pride Toronto)
It is important to note that Pride Month is the result of a collective global effort with an extensive history of advocacy and activism that can be tracked back to the early 1900’s.
Learn More Here/ Content References:
https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/pride-month
https://www.pridetoronto.com/
Toronto Pride 2024’s theme is: Be (fill in the blank)
Be is to proclaim our existence. To say, ‘we are here and always will be.’ Our call to simply Be.
Our right to Be…. United, we fight to exist without adversity.
Our place to Be…. Holding space for one another, we create safety in the communities we build.
Our time to Be…. We celebrate the triumphs of generations before us. We continue their legacy for a future that allows us to be ourselves.
More information:
Pride Hamilton
Pride Season – Canada.ca
Events:
Hamilton Festival: August 10, 2024 at Pier 4 Park in Hamilton (see Pride Hamilton Instagram Page for more information)
https://pridehamilton.ca/events.html
https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada–hamilton/pride/
CFPC Webinar on June 26th with involvement by HFH physician Dr. Rob Kerr: https://www.cfpc.ca/en/education-professional-development/practice-tools-guidelines/at-a-glance-clinical-resources/celebrating-pride-month-with-cfpc-pride
Resources:
AFFIRM group for LGBTQIA+ Youth (12-18 y/o): This group is for youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ to help affirm a sense of self, cope with stressors, learn where to go for support and meet other youth. Patients can self-refer.
Rainbow Health Ontario
The 519 Toronto
Health Equity Information:
Article: Review of Current 2SLGBTQIA+ Inequities in the Canadian Health Care Systems
GHHN Gender Affirming Care Statement