Intersections
A mental health capacity and community building program created by and for QTBIPOC communities.
Created by HIM
A Commitment to Supportive Programs for QTBIPOC Communities
Intersections is part of the commitments HIM made in a solidarity statement with BLM in 2020 - to continue addressing and redirecting funds to programs that support QTBIPOC communities that face greater barriers to their white counterparts. Community consultations such as Speak Up: for the health of queer people of colour also highlight the need for BIPOC spaces among GBT2Q to connect and talk about mental health.
Intentional commitments and redirecting focus to BIPOC programs are needed to address power inequities in mental health for QTBIPOC, and especially trans, Two-Spirit, and gender diverse BIPOC community members.
Holding Space for QTBIPOC Youth in Mental Health
Intersections aims to address the lack of representation in QTBIPOC mental health within the larger mental health conversations and capacity building plans. Through this peer-based program created by and for QTBIPOC folks, HIM aims to create a safer space where intersectionality is centered.
The program develops connection and understanding through discussions and workshops covering key topics for QTBIPOC youth:
Assertiveness and consent
Mindfulness
Shame and body image
Two-Spirit healing and teachings
Suicide prevention and
Self-care practices
This pilot is a recurring, two-weekend-long program, with an ideal cohort size of 12-15.
The Intersections Pilot
The pilot occurred in Vancouver within the context of COVID-19 precautions. Due to these evolving conditions, there was a large disparity in comparative service delivery between the first and second weekends of the program.
Week 1
Intersections’ first weekend has a large emphasis on participants getting to know each other and exchanging knowledge and ideas in an informal way. The program took place in-person at a community space where participants and facilitators could be seated 2 metres apart. Snacks, lunch, hand sanitizer and a $10/allowance for transit or parking were provided to each participant.
Week 2
As public health measures changed, the second weekend was delivered remotely on Zoom. Specific time slots were allocated for facilitated conversations and debriefing (plus a lunch-time with unfacilitated conversations). These discussion opportunities were very important to participants - solidifying learnings and sharing feelings during sessions with heavy material.
Participant Recruitment & Application Process
HIM contracted a recruiter from the QTBIPOC community - accessing their networks to promote and recruit participants. This individual also worked with internal staff to recruit through social media, and contact partner organizations and local social clubs.
The team also paid two local drag artists $100 each to create a social media video and disseminate it over Instagram. HIM’s internal staff also chose to create promotional videos and share through their social media accounts.
HIM also selected participants through an application form on our website. Program leadership identified individuals who were likely to benefit most from the program - and likely to disseminate their learnings.
Resources Required
Human Resources (8-12 hours/week)
Program Coordinator - Health Promotion
Program Coordinator - Training & Capacity Building
Program Coordinator - Outreach in the Fraser Valley
Program Specialist - Mental Health
Participant Recruiter (4 hours/week)
Material Resources
Venue (Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, Vancouver)
Food (Snacks and Lunches x 2)
Financial Resources
Participant Honoraria - $1,000
Transportation - $250
Participant Recuriter - $750
Presenters & Protocol - $100 - $800 per facilitator
Total Expenditures - $6,835
Challenges
Recruitment
Applicants were fewer than anticipated, with interested community members noting anxiety around commiting to the program in a period where the status of COVID-19 and related precautions were uncertain and in flux. There was also an identified lack of Indigenous and Black participants in the program. As learnings, it was noted that the program should have a two-month recruitment period enhanced by greater social media presence (although promotion through drag artists was particularly effective). The team also wishes to increase the intentionality behind a future iteration of Intersections for Black and Indigenous community members.
COVID-19
Coordinators had pandemic-related difficulties finding a suitable venue. Uncertainties around in-person program delivery were also challenging.
Conversations about suicide
Participants expressed wanting more notice prior to discussions centring suicide. Considerations should be made for an activation warning the day prior to these conversations.
Successes
Post-program evaluation indicated significant improvements in both mental health knowledge and capacity among participants. The pilot cohort also expressed feeling more connected to QTBIPOC communities - and appreciation for the rarity of sharing spaces like Intersections. As such, initial feedback indicates that key target outcomes fostering capacity and community among QTBIPOC youth were achieved.
Participants also expressed increased confidence in accessing mental health services and disseminating knowledge in their communities.
Program Materials
For further information, please contact:
Dylan Wall
Health Initiative for Men
dylan@checkhimout.ca
310 – 1033 Davie St
Vancouver, BC