The goal of the Rainbow Health Ontario 2010 Conference is to advance the discussion on improving access and equity in health for LGBT people in Ontario.
While human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Canada have changed a great deal in the past 40 years, our society still struggles to fully accept LGBT people as family members, clients or colleagues. Within our health and social service systems, LGBT people often face barriers when attempting to access care. Recent studies from across Canada point to unmet health needs, inadequate treatment and a lack of appropriate policies, standards of competence or even basic awareness in the care of LGBT people. Research also tells us that LGBT communities experience a higher burden of health problems such as depression, substance use and smoking. These health disparities arise from a mix of social, behavioural and sometimes physical factors that play out in the lives of individuals, families and communities. Often the challenges of living with stigma and stress are compounded and amplified by membership in other groups which also face discrimination or access problems including Aboriginal communities, people with disabilities, racialized groups, newcomers, rural communities and people living in poverty. Most health care providers are not educated about LGBT communities and these health needs. As a result, they may lack sensitivity, be uncomfortable or not have the appropriate knowledge to serve LGBT people competently.
Rainbow Health Ontario works with LGBT communities, service providers, researchers, policy makers and government representatives to address these barriers. Our vision is to make Ontario a province in which all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are healthy and valued members of their diverse communities and are supported by equitable services and public policy.
Conference Purpose
The purpose of the Rainbow Health Ontario 2010 Conference is to provide a forum for health and social service providers, community members, researchers and policy makers to share knowledge, experience and ideas that address the health and wellness needs of LGBT people.
Conference Objectives
- To create an opportunity for health and social service providers, community members, researchers and policy makers from around the province to collaborate, network, and share effective strategies on improving the health status of LGBT communities
- To highlight innovative programs, practices and research that address a diversity of LGBT health and wellness issues at the local and provincial levels
- To identify the best strategies for applying the shared research and program knowledge to public policy and program development
- To discuss ways of creating and supporting a province-wide LGBT health movement
Who Should Attend
- Health and social service providers
- Public health workers and health promoters
- Mental health and addictions counsellors
- Community support workers
- Youth workers and counsellors
- HIV/AIDS service workers
- Researchers and students
- Diversity officers and educators
- Local Health Integration Network staff members
- Health Policy Analysts and decision makers
- Activists, LGBT community members, families and allies
There will be research presentations, panel discussions, workshop sessions, roundtable discussions and poster presentations scheduled over the two and a half days for participants to contribute and learn.
