2SLGBTQI+ Resources
Publish Date:
Throughout their lives, many 2SLGBTQI+ older adults in Canada have faced systemic discrimination and oppression based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. This has been particularly prevalent within the health care system, which has resulted in a breakdown of trust in mainstream health care providers. In recognition of these unique contexts, it is important that care homes take time and respectful consideration when taking steps towards inclusion. The resources below aim to recognize that there is no one “right way” to support 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in care homes; each organization will be at a different stage along the journey and will have its own unique circumstances. We offer a collection of promising practices and encourage readers to explore the links and resources available.
If you are looking for training and education about supporting the 2SLGBTQI+ community, LTC homes are encouraged to explore Rainbow Health Ontario’s Education and Training, which is tailored for health and social service professionals, and covers a broad range of topics including 2SLGBTQ Foundations, 2SLGBTQ Older Adults and Inclusive Care, Removing the Barriers: Making Your Organization 2SLGBTQ Friendly, 2SLGBTQ trauma-informed care, and more! Courses are available in English and French.
The Ontario CLRI’s Supporting Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Long-Term Care Advisory Committee has created and compiled the below resources for Ontario’s long-term care homes.
We are grateful to the individuals with lived experience who have been part of the development and collection of these resources. Their insights, wisdom and perspectives have been invaluable.
2SLGBTQI+ Resources
A Home For All: LGBTQI2S+ Resources for Long-Term Care Homes
This resource features promising practices to help move long-term care homes towards becoming safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQI2S+ community.
Embracing Diversity: A Toolkit for Supporting Inclusion in Long-Term Care Homes
This toolkit was developed to support equitable and respectful care within Ontario’s LTC sector. It represents our shared responsibility and commitment to welcoming and affirming communities for all members of the diverse populations who live, work and visit LTC homes.
‘What Would You Do?’ Poster Series
The “What Would You Do?” (WWYD) posters are conversation starters. They were created to be an educational resource for LTC homes on the journey to becoming more welcoming and inclusive spaces. The posters can complement cultural safety and cultural humility training that are already in place. The posters depict intentionally brief vignettes, all taken from stories from real experiences in LTC homes, and encourage participants to engage in personal reflection, and curious exploration.
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge:
A resource supporting end-of-life planning and care needs of LGBTQI2S older adults in Ontario (Egale).
Creating Authentic Spaces:
A gender identity and gender expression toolkit to support the implementation of institutional and social change.
2SLGBTQI+ Tool Kit:
A revitalized toolkit on supporting 2SLGBTQI+ seniors – Leading & Learning with Pride, developed by the City of Toronto Senior Services and Long Term Care.
Supporting the Rainbow Community: A Home for All
This webinar focuses on strategies to support the LGBTQI2S+ community living in long-term care, through the exploration of one dynamic individual’s experience as a gay man working as a long-term care home administrator, and the journey he undertook to support his team in creating a more welcoming and inclusive care home. We will explore some of the lessons learned and provide participants with a wealth of resources to further explore this topic.
Acknowledgements
This work stems from the Ontario CLRI’s Supporting Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Long-Term Care Advisory Committee.
Related Resources
Your Feedback Matters
Your feedback is valued and allows us to improve our resources available to those working and living in long-term care. Please take a minute to fill out the following form:
"*" indicates required fields