Settlement agencies in Alberta blazing the trail for LGBTQ+ newcomers
Abstract
Edmonton and Calgary have gained the status of being friendly cities to LGBTQ+ newcomers. This was started by the Rainbow Refugee Program at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers; followed by the Centre for Newcomers, LGBTQ+ Refugee Centre Calgary, and End of the Rainbow Foundation in Calgary. The history of sexual orientation and gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE) refugees, the impact of the programs, and new barriers due to COVID-19 are discussed in this report.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Integration timeline
- Newcomers
Key populations
- LGBTQ+ newcomers in Alberta
Community organizations
- Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA)
Key findings:
- Edmonton and Calgary have gained the status of being friendly cities for LGBTQ+ newcomers
- The Rainbow Refugee Program at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, followed by a similar program in Calgary (by the LGBTQ+ Refugee Centre Calgary, Centre for Newcomers, and End of the Rainbow Foundation) were key in starting Albertan services for SOGIE refugees.
Key recommendation
- Alberta needs to continually adapt and grow services for SOGIE newcomers to address specific and evolving challenges for this group
Location
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Alberta
Open access: yes
