Resources and support for members of the GLBTQ2+ community
** Posted on behalf of Nia Gillies, PSAC BC Regional Council **
Many in the LGBTQ2+ community face unique challenges during these days of being in isolation alone or with unsupportive family so I thought I would reach out to PSAC’s LGBTQ2+ members in BC and let you know that you are not forgotten and to let you know that you are cared about.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and 2-Spirited people can be particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to stay-at-home restrictions, many LGBTQ2+ youth and adults are confined in hostile environments with unsupportive family members or co-habitants.
This can increase our exposure to violence, as well as our anxiety and depression. People living with compromised immune systems, including some persons living with HIV/AIDS, face a greater risk from COVID-19.
Given overloaded health systems, medical care of LGBTQ2+ people may be interrupted or deprioritized, including HIV treatment and testing, as well as hormonal treatment and gender affirming treatments for Trans people. This creates increased depression and anxiety among the LGBTQ2+ community.
If you are struggling please reach out safely to supportive family members, to friends, coworkers, your local union executive, peer support, or even myself.
Here are links to some resources I have gathered that can also help:
- List of community resources from Nanaimo Pride
- The Victoria Pride Society Covid resource guide
- Qmunity’s list of peer support groups in Vancouver
- List of resources from Kamloops Pride
- List of resources from Kelowna Pride
- List of resources in the North of BC.
- BC Provincial Health Services Authority – Transcare BC
- Trans Lifeline or 877-565-8860
- Crisis Services Canada or 833-456-4566
- List of mental health resources from PSAC, including links to EAP and provincial mental health resources.
With much Solidarity, take care and stay safe,
Nia Gillies
Pronouns (She/Her)
BC PSAC Pride Equity Coordinator
gillien@psac-afpc.com