Students at Wilfred Laurier University are hoping to turn a classwork project into a “toolkit” for people involved with LGBTQ+ projects in Lloydminster.
The survey seeks to find information about strengths, challenges, allies and existing resources to support the wellness of people on the LGBTQ+ spectrum in Lloydminster. Tyson Herzog, a Master of Social Work student and a member of the project team, grew up in Kitscoty and says that he remembers seeing first hand unwelcome attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people, and other studies find this to remain an issue.
“What we know, based on the academic literature, is that LGBTQ folks still experience higher rates of harassment, discrimination and violence. So there’s still a lot of work to be done, however I’ve definitely seen a shift in some attitudes in Lloydminster and area. For example, the LGBTQ Society of Lloydminster, which provides awareness and visibility and support for LGBTQ folks is an example of that fact that things are changing and we are moving forward.”
The team hopes to finish the report April 1, and use the results to help support initiatives for the LGBTQ+ community in Lloydminster.
“We’re hoping that ‘toolkit’ or report will help support the initiatives that are underway, for example there’s public education curriculum that has been developing and is continuing to be refined. There are groups in one of the schools here in the community, and we’re hoping this will help those initiatives to grow.”
The survey can be completed anonymously on the Wilfred Laurier Qualtrics page.Â