UnACoRN: Understanding Affirming Communities, Relationships, and Networks

In recent years, numerous jurisdictions in the USA and Canada have enacted bans on ‘conversion’ practices, i.e., organized attempts to suppress Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (2S/LGBTQ+), and other minoritized sexual and gender identities. In 2022, our team conducted the UnACoRN survey, a first-of-its-kind binational survey of 9,679 youth (15-29 years of age). Through this project, we are beginning to appreciate the full range of settings and practices that threaten 2S/LGBTQ+ identities, despite ‘conversion’ practice bans and other policy advances to protect the rights of 2S/LGBTQ+ people. Leveraging collaborations between SFU, Vanderbilt, and other North American institutions, we will analyze and disseminate findings in 2022-23, aiming to support 2S/LGBTQ+ health equity strategies. Results will also be used to inform more inclusive and comprehensive approaches to sex education, organized team sports, and places of faith. Finally, UnACoRN data will shed light on where and how we can use the federal ban to educate parents/caregivers, youth, and those in authority to understand the harms of anti-2S/LGBTQ+ messages and contribute to health equity for 2S/LGBTQ+ populations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Travis Salway

Student:

Partner:

Vanderbilt University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Public Service, Policy, and Governance

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: