Community Needs Assessment

community needs
assessment report
rainbow resource centre
2010 - 2011
index
Background
Section 1:
Rainbow Resource Centre Specifics
Section 2:
Determining Future Rainbow Resource
Centre Programming Needs
Section 3:
Demographics
Section 4:
Household
Section 5:
Medical
What do you like best about...
the LGBTTQ* community in Winnipeg?
What do you like least about...
the LGBTTQ* community in Winnipeg?
background information
In January of 2010 planning began for the implementation
of a comprehensive community needs assessment of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer (LGBTTQ*)
communities of Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba. With
funding support from The Winnipeg Foundation and support
and training through Health in Common, a comprehensive
survey was developed.
Beginning in the fall of 2010 and ending the fall of 2011, the
Rainbow Resource Centre undertook delivering the community
needs assessment to explore how the LGBTTQ* communities
of Winnipeg and Manitoba experience the community, related
to needs, successes, strengths, areas of opportunities and
areas for growth.
The survey was delivered electronically through Survey Monkey,
as well as through paper copies. The survey link was sent out
via community announcement emails to the Rainbow Resource
Centre list-serve and posted on the Centre’s website and
Facebook page. Paper copies were distributed at community
events and in community venues, such as Gio’s, Club 200, Fame,
Rainbow Pride Mosaic at the University of Manitoba, the LGBT*
Centre at the University of Winnipeg, Adonis and Aquarius.
The goal of the Community Needs Assessment was to develop
a comprehensive survey to explore the needs of the community,
not needs specific only to the Rainbow Resource Centre. Out of
this, the data was used by the Rainbow Resource Centre in the
development of our five year strategic plan. The results of the
Community Needs Assessment are also being shared with other
LGBTTQ* community organizations and resources, as well as with
organizations that work with the LGBTTQ* community but are not
specifically identified as LGBTTQ* organizations or services.
The Rainbow Resource Centre’s Strategic Plan, incorporating the
data from the Community Needs Assessment and outlining the
Centre’s plans to meet the identified needs, will be released at
the 2012 Annual Fall Supper.
The Rainbow Resource Centre would like to thank The Winnipeg
Foundation, Health in Common, and all the community
organizations and members that participated in this
comprehensive community needs assessment. We look forward
to the continued growth and success of our community as a
result.
Thank You!
Note: Age categories were collapsed into 5 categories (from 7) due
to small sample sizes. Under 18 years are reported together.
section 1
findings :
RAINBOW RESOURCE
CENTRE SPECIFIC
Almost all had heard of the RRC
prior to the needs assessment.
Less than half currently use the
RRC (lowest number of current
clients are males 25 – 34; highest
are males 18 – 24). Almost all
would be interested in attending
RRC events. Most likely to have
donated money to a GLBTTQ*
centre are males 35 – 54. Most
people are aware that the RRC has
openings for volunteers. Notably,
only 3/10 females over 55 believe
that the RRC meets community
needs. Few respondents subscribe
to the newsletter, in particular
among those under 25.
<181
18-24
25-34
35-54
M/F
M/F
. Had ever heard
of RRC
100 %
100 % / 93.8 %
100 % / 97.7 %
97.9 % / 92 %
100 % / 100 %
. Currently use RRC
40 %
50 % / 28.1 %
18.2 % / 31.8 %
36.2 % / 28 %
27.3 % / 40 %
. Used RRC in the past
50 %
41.7 % / 34.4 %
40.9 % / 56.8 %
72.3 % / 58 %
54.5 % / 90 %
. Know a current RRC client
60 %
83.3 % / 71.9 %
72.7 % / 81.8 %
72.3 % / 56 %
54.5 % / 80 %
. Know a past RRC client
60 %
90.9 % / 78.1 %
77.3 % / 90.9 %
80.9 % / 68 %
63.6 % / 80 %
. Interested in
attending events
100 %
100 % / 90.6 %
90.9 % / 93.2 %
91.5 % / 96 %
100 % / 80 %
. Donated money to RRC
20 %
33.3 % / 28.1 %
50 % / 9.1 %
61.7 % / 50 %
36.4 % / 50 %
. Volunteered at a
LGBTTQ* organization
20 %
33.3 % / 46.9 %
27.3 % / 20.5 %
48.9 % / 30 %
36.4 % / 50 %
. Know RRC has
volunteer openings
50 %
58.3 % / 43.8 %
54.5 % / 59.1 %
74.5 % / 64 %
72.7 % / 60 %
. RRC meets
community needs
60 %
75 % / 62.5 %
59.1 % / 61.4 %
72.3 % / 50 %
63.6 % / 30 %
. Subscribes to RRC
newsletter
10 %
16.7 % / 19.4 %
27.3 % / 47.7 %
35.6 % / 36 %
27.3 % / 44.4 %
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
M/F
M/F
55+
Q6
Q7
Q8
Q9
Q10
Q11
1- Male and female are reported together due to the small sample size for the under 18 group
what would make you consider donating money?
Having more money
Donate towards
specific programs
More info/accountability
Supporting/engaging
with the cause
Advertising the need
Convenience
Incentives (tax receipts, gifts)
Through events
0
10
20
30
40
50
Age:
<18
18-34
35+
preferred hours of operation by age.
Open Mon-Fri, 9-5
Open Mon-Thurs, 5-7
Open Mon-Thurs, 7-9
Open Sat-Sun, Day
Open Fri-Sun, 5-9
0
Preferred hours of operation
were combined into 5 categories:
Monday to Friday days; Monday
to Thursday 5 – 7; Monday to
Thursday 7 – 9; Saturday and
Sunday days; Friday to Sunday
evening (5 – 9). The most popular
options for hours are early
10
20
30
evening (5 – 7) on weekdays and
weekend days/evenings. Young
people, under 18, prefer the hours
of operation to be early evenings
(Monday – Sunday), as do those
aged 18 34. Respondents 35 plus
prefer weekend hours – days
and to a slightly lesser degree
evenings.
When asked why the felt that the
RRC wasn’t meeting all the needs
of the GLBTTQ* community,
responses fell into the categories
below. Most commonly, it was felt
that the RRC is limited in scope.
In particular respondents felt
that the centre focusses on youth
during the coming out process
while providing little else for
older LGBTTQ* individuals and
families. For example: “While I
am sure it meets the needs of a
select group (ex: young people
newly coming out) I have never
heard of anything else that the
Resource Centre does.” A few
noted that the service needs in
the community far outweigh the
centre’s capacity to meet them.
Other comments included a lack
of visibility and awareness of what’s
offered to the broader LGBTTQ*
community, and a need to provide
more opportunity for members
to meet in social, communitybased settings and events. A
small number feel the centre is
inaccessibly located for them.
reasons RRC is not meeting community needs.
Limited scope
Don’t know
Need outweighs capacity
Inaccessible
Lack community connections
Lack visibility
No services for older adults
0
10
20
30
Question 12 asked respondents
to identify which programs or
centre(s) they use for LGBTTQ*
services. Only 3 males under 18
years responded, indicating RRC,
University of Winnipeg Rainbow
Pride Mosaic and Peer Project for
Youth. Among older males (18
– 34 and 35 and older) Rainbow
Resource Centre was most often
cited. Gay Father’s of Winnipeg
and Men’s Resource Centre were
also agencies accessed by those
35 and older. Dreamcatchers,
Peer Project for Youth, Rainbow
Resource Centre and SERC were
identified by females under 18.
Women from 18 to 34 years old,
access programs at RRC, U of W
LGBTR Centre and SERC. Women
over 35, access programs through
RRC and Fort Garry Women’s
Resource Centre.
35+
Rainbow Resource Centre
18-34
LGBTTQ* programs accessed by Males/ftm
Gay Fathers of Winnipeg
<18
Men’s Resource Centre
Rainbow Educators of MB
U of W LGBT* Centre
FTM Alliance
SERC
U of M Rainbow Pride Mosaic
Dreamcatchers
Masquerade
Peer Project for Youth
0
5
10
15
35+
U of W LGBT* Centre
18-34
LGBTTQ* programs accessed by females/mtf
Rainbow Resource Centre
<18
Fort Garry Women’s Resource
SERC
U of M Rainbow Pride Mosaic
Peer Project for Youth
Rainbow Educators of MB
WPG Trans Support Group
Gay Fathers of Winnipeg
Dreamcatchers
PFLAG
0
Additional LGBTQ* programs
identified include:
• Brandon RRC
• Brandon Sexual Health
Committee
• Camp Aurora
• Counselling (x 3)
• Dignity (LGBT Catholics)
• Out There Sports and
Recreation (x 4)
• Klinic (x 4)
• Nine Circles (x 4)
• Friends
• Prime Timers
5
10
• Queer Peer Support Program
• Rainbow Harmony Project
• Rainbow Ministry
• Sage House
• Anti-Violence Advisory Team
• 595 Prevention Team
• Ma Mawi
• Pride Committee
• U of M Women’s Centre
• U of M Ally Program
• West End Women’s
Resource Centre
• Women’s Centre
• Women’s Health Clinic (x 2)
15
Reasons given for accessing a
particular centre or program
were themed. Social connections
to staff and other participants
was the most common reason
for using a particular program.
(“I have friends there and feel
safe and comfortable hanging
out in the space.” “Sense
of community” “It’s a good
network of people). Location, in
particular for students attending
a campus-based centre, was
another factor in choosing to
access a particular program.
Feeling supported (e.g. “peersupport” “counseling” “nonjudgmental”), having specific
needs addressed (e.g. “transpositive” “feminist”), accessing
information and resources
(e.g. “to get information”) and
accessible (“welcoming” “safe”
“easily accessible”) were also
identified as reasons.
other
reasons for using a particular centre or program (by gender)
Connections
male
female
Location
Support
Address needs
Information
Access
Interest
0
5
10
15
10
15
<18
18-34
35+
reasons for using a particular centre or program (by age)
Connections
Location
Support
Address needs
Information
Access
Interest
0
5
The most common news sources
include: Outwords; Word of
mouth; and social networking sites.
Other information
sources identified:
• The Advocate (counted as an
online news source)
• Other email lists (e.g. U of M
womyn’s centre, SERC, etc)
• Mail (direct mail outs to
school, home)
Other non-local LGBTTQ* news
sources included:
• Television
• Queer power
Older respondents were more
likely to subscribe to the RRC
newsletter. Among those, females
were are higher subscribers than
males. Women aged 25 to 34
are most likely to subscribe to
the newsletter (47.7%) whereas
youth under 18 are least likely to
subscribe (10%). Feedback related
to the newsletter included:
• Valuable/Great
• Reduce duplication
• Post on website
• Post as PDF
• Provide more
information/content
• More diversity
(e.g. Aboriginal, Métis issues
• Better layout
• “I got dropped from
list somehow” (x 4)
• Offer direct sign up on-line
• Advertise social events
<18
18-34
35+
LGBTTQ* News sources
Outwords
Word of mouth
Social Networking sites
RRC E-mail
LGBTTQ* Organizations
Online news sources
RRC Website
Local newspapers
0
20
40
60
80
section 2
DETERMINING FUTURE
RRC PROGRAMMING
NEEDS
Question 17 asked how likely
they would be to participate
in programs if offered at RRC.
Men and women were similar
in identifying social activities,
community/political activism,
health services and advocacy
as most common programming
interests. More men were
interested in sports activities as
another option.
female
Social groups/activities
male
likelyhood of participating in programs if offered at rrc (by gender)
Health services
Community issues,
concerns & politics
Advocacy services
Sports
Career development
Mental health counselling
Youth programs
Spiritual events/groups
Legal/Financial services
Family services
Housing assistance
Religious support/services
Services to seniors
Immigration services
0
1
2
3
Interests were more varied
between age groups. Younger
participants (under 18) would
participate in youth programs,
mental health counseling, social
activities, community/political
activism and health services.
35+
Community issues,
concerns & politics
< 18
Social groups/activities
18-24
likelyhood of participating in programs if offered at rrc (by age)
Health services
Advocacy services
Sports
Career development
Mental health counselling
Youth programs
Spiritual events/groups
Legal/Financial services
Family services
Housing assistance
Religious support/services
Services to seniors
Immigration services
0
1
2
3
When asked what other kinds of
services they would like to see
RRC offer, 41 people responded
that they would like to see a
community centre offering a
range of social and recreational
programming. Ten people felt that
the RRC could do more public
awareness and education related
to LGBTTQ* issues.
male
female
other
Other services desired
Community club/centre
Mental health services
Public awareness/education
Diversity/Equity
Advocacy
Health services
Rural outreach
Increase visibility
0
5
10
15
“As a result of the workshop, I feel I will be
much more aware of “differences” when
dealing with students and staff.”
-Grade Three Teacher
“The information will help me to generate
conversations and reduce fear!”
-Workshop Participant
20
(6); workplace issues (4), supporting
newcomers, self harm, poverty,
polyamory, parenting, other “isms”
- sexism, racism, ageism, fat phobia
(9); housing; heterophobia; global
issues (2); lack of LGBTTQ* social
spaces (4); gay positive education;
food security; condoms; biphobia
(2), Aboriginal inclusion (2).
Participants ranked their top
5 community concerns from
a list of 27 options. The top 5
ranked concerns were bullying,
lack of community, a sense of
social invisibility, health/wellness
issues, and mental health issues.
Other identified issues included:
homophobia outside of schools
18-34
35+
types of discrimination experienced
Ableism
Homophobia
Other
<18
Racism
Sexism
Transphobia
0
20
40
60
80
100
35+
Streets (WPG)
18-34
Workplace
School,
University, College
LGBTTQ* community
<18
Places where homo/transphobia are experienced
Public transportation
Neighbourhood
Home
Private business
Healthcare
Public agencies
Other
Social service agencies
0
20
40
60
The top five services needed in
the community were identified as
mental health services, education/
public awareness of LGBTTQ*
issues, services for LGBTTQ*
youth, social activities/recreation
and LGBTTQ* community centre/
spaces.
Among women (female and
transgender MTF) the top
five personal issues identified
were: family, dating, daily
homophobia, media and mental
health care. Among males (male
and transgender FTM) top five
personal issues were the same
but with dating and relationships
and daily homophobia ranked
above family, mental health
care and media. The same five
issues are identified as priority
for those under 35 (i.e. Dating,
daily homophobia, family, media,
mental health care). For those over
35, aging replaces media as a top
concern with all others being the
same. When asked to identify who
or how these issues should be
addressed respondents identified
the need for ongoing public
education and outreach as being
the most appropriate strategy (23
responses), lobbying or advocating
the government (20 responses),
increased local activism within
the LGBTTQ* community (14) and
increased sense of social justice in
the community as a whole (8). Two
people identified the RRC directly
as who should be addressing the
issues.
Other recreation activities desired
included: dating services (3); family
events (2); music (4); parenting
groups (8); topical discussion
groups (21);
male
female
How Safe do You Feel?
Unsafe
Slightly unsafe
Slightly safe
Safe
0%
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
35+
Recreation activities desired (by age)
LGTBQ* restaurant/coffee shop
<18
18-34
LGTBQ* movie nights
LGTBQ* speakers
LGTBQ* higher ticket events
Outdoor LGTBQ* activities
LGTBQ* authors/reading
LGTBQ* book club
LGTBQ* art displays
Community potlucks
Women’s social group
LGTBQ* bingo
Men’s social group
LGTBQ* sporting group
Trans social group
Other
0
20
40
60
80
100
0
20
40
60
80
100
male
female
Recreation activities desired (by gender)
LGTBQ* restaurant/coffee shop
LGTBQ* movie nights
LGTBQ* speakers
LGTBQ* higher ticket events
Outdoor LGTBQ* activities
LGTBQ* authors/reading
LGTBQ* book club
LGTBQ* art displays
Community potlucks
Women’s social group
LGTBQ* bingo
Men’s social group
LGTBQ* sporting group
Trans social group
Other
< 18
18-24
35+
where do you go for social activities (by age)
Homes of friends & family
Restaurants & coffee shops
Movies
Internet
LGBTQ* bars
Parks/outdoors
Theater
House parties
Gym
Bars
Museums
LGBTQ* clubs
LGBTQ* organizations
Sporting events
LGBTQ* restaurants
LGBTQ* sporting groups
Clubs
Rarely go out
Health club
Bathhouse
Other
LGBTQ* gym
0
20
30
40
60
80 100 120
female
where do you go for social activities (by gender)
Homes of friends & family
male
Restaurants & coffee shops
Movies
Internet
LGBTQ* bars
Parks/outdoors
Theater
House parties
Gym
Bars
Museums
LGBTQ* clubs
LGBTQ* organizations
Sporting events
LGBTQ* restaurants
LGBTQ* sporting groups
Clubs
Rarely go out
Health club
Bathhouse
Other
LGBTQ* gym
0
20
30
40
60
80 100 120
section 3
DEMOGRAPHICS
male
female
EDUCATION
Kindergarten - Grade 6
Grade 6 - Grade 9
Grade 9 - Grade 12
High school diploma
Some university
University degree
Master’s degree
Ph. D
College diploma
Trade certificate
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
male
female
income
< $10,000
$10,001 - $20,000
$20,001 - $40,000
$40,001 - $60,000
$60,001 - $80,000
$80,001 - $100,000
$100,001 - $120,000
> $120,001
0%
10%
20%
30%
male
female
Age
<18
18 - 24
25 - 34
35 - 54
55+
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80% 100%
35+
sexual orientation
Gay
18-34
Lesbian
Bisexual
<18
Queer
Heterosexual
Questioning
Other
Ethnicity
White
Aboriginal
Middle Eastern
Asian
Latin America
Black
section 4
HOUSEHOLD
Almost three quarters of
respondents (73.8%) have children.
Only 64 parents specified their
relationship to their child. Of
these, 50 (14.5%) are biological
children, one is a foster child, 5 are
adopted children and 8 are stepchildren/co-parented.
253 people responded to question
40 – “Do you live in Winnipeg?” Of
these, 232 (91.7%) live in the city.
35+
RELATIONSHIP STATUS
Single
18-24
Common-Law
Married (same sex)
< 18
Monogamous
Dating
Divorced
Open/Non-monogamous
Married (different sex)
Polyamorous
Widowed
0%
20%
40%
60%
35+
WHO LIVES IN HOUSEHOLD (BY AGE)
Lives with pets
18-24
Lives alone
Lives with roommates
< 18
Lives with partner
Lives with children
Lives with own parents
Lives with friends
Lives with relatives
Lives with partners parents
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
section 5
MEDICAL
173 participants identified
what is most important to
them in accessing health and
well-being service providers.
A respectful, non-judgmental
and safe environment was the
most common theme identified
(62 individuals). Following this,
34 specified that they like a
practitioner who is knowledgeable
about LGBTTQ* issues (a few
stated having a gay provider
was important). Twenty-five
felt competence (including
professionalism, confidentiality
and experience) was most
important to them. Women felt
that a respectful environment
was most important whereas men
placed more importance on being
aware of LGBTTQ* issues.
Women are less likely to have
a medical provider who knows
they are part of the LGBTTQ*
community. 75% of males have
a provider who knows they are
LGBTTQ* compared to 55% of
females. Males are also more likely
to use an LGBTTQ clinic (31%
of males use an LGBTTQ* clinic
compared to 13% of females).
16% of males and 10% of females
use LGBTTQ* mental health
services. Among these, 78% of
males’ counselors know they are
LGBTTQ* and 63% of females’
are aware that they are part of the
LGBTTQ* community. Most felt it
was important that they have an
LGBTTQ* positive provider (86%
males and 88% females).
male
female
most important factor in choosing a health and well-being provider
Respectful
Issue aware
Competence
Open communication
Accessible
Female
Trans friendly
Wholistic
Affordable
Sexual health
Continuous care
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
W h at d o y o u b e s t l i k e a b o u t
t h e LG B TT Q * C o m m u n i t y i n W i n n i p e g ?
THEME
number of
responses
Sample comments
THE SENSE OF
COMMUNITY, UNITY &
ADVOCACY
39
- We have one! (as opposed to not having one)
- They try hard to reach all aspects of the community
- The unity we all feel when we get together in large events - pride,
rallies, etc.
- That we have great support workers. That we HAVE an LGBT
community.
- Its strong presence
- It’s sense of connections - have pride here
- It totally rocks! The fact that there IS an active one!
- It is robust for a relatively small population.
- I like that the community rallies together to support people when
we are called on. Things like pride, the aids walk, and the antihomophobia rally really show how our community can come out to
support each other in our times of need.
- I like that LGBT groups in WPG are very community-oriented, lots of
activism and often built from a grassroots level (not corporate), lots of
support services.
- I appreciated the last Pride Day as there was great energy and the
community appears to have flourished.
It is small (close knit)
and/or friendly
38
- What I have experienced, seems to be a positive, friendly community
- The welcoming community and grassroots feel of events
- The size of community means there is less separation between gay
men and lesbians and others in the lgbttq* community
- Small enough it feels friendly and gives you a sense of belonging
- It’s super friendly and welcoming
- It’s a small community (you can actually get to know everyone) PPY,
RRC, Ace Art last year, Many of the individual LGBTTQ* artists and
business owners. Underground Cafe, the U of W and U of M GLBTTQ*
student organizations, The general idea of Pride BUT NOT their
struggles with some of the shades of the rainbow which are shameful
... they are so freaked out about not going financially in the hole that
they have become exclusionist (seeing every one and event as a threat
to their financial well-being) and lost sight of actually embracing and
working together with ALL the community groups and shades of
the rainbow to create common events. Pride should bring everyone
together and NOT result in divisions and squabbles and splits
- I like that I can go to an event and know a fair number of people in
the room. Feel safe.
- People are fairly friendly compared to bigger cities -RRC
- It’s inclusive and welcoming. I’ve never felt a barrier between any
parts of it.
Supportive of each
other
31
- Very supportive
- Tight group of people and are there for me
- They are caring and have accepted me for who I am.
- the casual care homosexuals display to each others who are really
strangers other than by preference is warming and real
- RRC and the time they take with each person
- It’s open & supportive
- It is where I became comfortable with my gay self. Back in Alberta, I
could not find as many opportunities
- I found a group for support both social and spiritual that we get
together on a regular basis for socialization. Also, the hiking and
gay sports (tennis) group that, hopefully, RRC can get involve and
help improve or channel support for mentoring in management and
promoting it more in the community
- creative, gutsy
- accepting
THE PEOPLE
15
- There a lot of good people!!!!
- The people I know, really care about each other’s overall well-being
- Great friends, vibrant youth, people that truly care about advancing
equality and the wellbeing of queer people.
- Friends you make
The events
[Including Camp
Aurora (1) and Pride (3)]
15
- Pride week events.
- The dances for women.
- Some social groups are enjoyable: badminton, Pride Week events,
Pride Reel
- Recent expansion of the non-bar community (sports groups, for
example)
- Lots of different things going on
- Events that bring the larger community together
- all the events in the summer, clubs and groups available
The diversity
14
- The fact you get totally ignored. This made transitioning in Winnipeg
wonderful. No one gave a damn what you look like, what you wear, or if
you are on the ground bleeding. Even bus drivers will drive right past
you if it looks like they may not keep their schedule.
- The diversity within the community.
- The diversity and the overall connections we have with one another...
we are not so ‘silo’ed here as they are in bigger cities
- The diversity and how many people come out to events like Pride.
- I like how diverse it is, how open most people are, and how the drag
community became my second family
- Diversity and the activism. Very impressed at the number of youth
who are unafraid to be out compared to say, fifteen years ago. This tells
me that the struggle for support for the community has given our youth
the courage to be free in their choices.
- Broad, diverse, strong connections to family
It is dynamic
and vibrant
6
- The youth are VIBRANT! everyone knows everyone ( or seams to )
we are not all living in one community =- spread out
- Seems to be growing and changing... some good things going on...
I like the things going on to make the world safer and more inclusive
for GLBT youth and trans folk
- Never dull
- Enthusiasm
Gio’s
2
- Truthfully... Gio’s. Vibrant, cozy and diverse crowd.
- Gio’s
“RRC Activism”
1
- RRC Activism
Note: Activism in general was included under sense of community
however this comment seemed to specifically refer to the role of RRC
in activism so was kept separate.
Not involved in
the local LGBTTQ*
community
7
- I do not participate in the community, I was unaware that there was an
established community in the city
Don’t know
5
Nothing
1
- Nothing--absolutely nothing. It is honestly a ‘community’ of which I
am ashamed to be a member in every respect of the word. (Sorry) If
I may---Before coming out, I had a wonderful, quality social life. After
coming out, I expected that there would exist a multi-faceted gay
community into which I could easily plug myself. The reality is that
for ten years I met almost nothing but freaks and losers, who also
happened to be gay. Although I joined almost every gay group and
attended many gay events and dated literally dozens and dozens of
guys, I was able to meet virtually no one who could be called sane,
normal, or who had any redeeming qualities of personality. (Harsh,
but true.) I may not be able to blame this wholly on the makeup of
Winnipeg’s GLBT community, but from what I hear from friends in other
Canadian cities, it could, regrettably, be a problem unique to us.
W h at d o y o u l e a s t l i k e a b o u t
t h e LG B TT Q * C o m m u n i t y i n W i n n i p e g ?
THEME
number of
responses
Cliques
45
- “We don’t work together enough, and exclude, alienate or just don’t
make the effort to work together as allies.”
- “Very clique-like, as I am now 5 years in the city; difficult to make
female connections in community; difficult to find quality dates.”
- “The separation that seems to be prevalent between the different
community groups”
- “The gossip and unhealthy situations
- Lack of friendliness. I came to Winnipeg and was totally alone I spent
months here without really knowing anyone until I reached out and
took someone in who needed a home. It was totally bizarre. it must be
the cold, because it take quite a while to fit in here
- It seems incredibly inaccessible at times
- didn’t feel welcome at the beginning ... have tried to put myself out
there to volunteer and do a few things in the community over time
but never felt like anyone was interested in what I had to offer or
including me... but then got busy with my family/kid stuff... so really
don’t feel that I need the community.. I fit more comfortably into my
neighbourhood and my workplace and my friends where some are
queer and some aren’t... orientation isn’t really an issue. I’m also a
lesbian of a certain generation and it’s hard to get past my feminist
analysis to embrace some of what happens in the GLBTTQ community
- “Can seem clique-ish at times (need emphasis on respect and coming
together as a community) -not much space for queer allies within the
community (prior to knowing I was queer, I longed to be a part of the
movement, but struggled with knowing where I fit in as a heterosexual.
I feel this may have hindered my understanding of homosexuality as
well as delayed my coming to terms with being queer and coming out)
-difficult to know what is going on within the community if you are not
‘out’, as much of gateway advertising and information is available to
those who may be at ease disclosing sexual orientation (e.g. outwords
is FABULOUS, but when I was not out of the closet I would not go
near the magazine for fear of someone seeing me. I would have
benefitted if bus ads, billboards, commercials etc. with vital info on
services, locations, and the like were made more accessible to the
general public.”
small size
26
- “Very small, not as visible as in other cities
- “that it isn’t well established/funded
- “That it is so small and not very well known. It needs to grow and be
more active in Winnipeg as a whole
- “Sometimes it can seem too small and everyone knows too much
about you and your life
- “It’s a small community ... so you can’t avoid the people in the
community you don’t like because it’s so tiny and you have to bump
into them all the time ... in other words there are too FEW places to
meet and go and do things. “
- “Even though it’s a larger community, it’s still small enough that
everyone knows everyone else’s business even if they don’t know that
person firsthand. There are no secrets
- “A little too small to be able to organize all the activities many of us
would like (e.g. recreation) or businesses (restaurants and coffee shops)
or other activities.”
Sample comments
Too few recreational
or social
opportunities
19
- “Very exclusive, not a lot to do other than bars.”
- “Too few social opportunities, restaurants, pubs, etc.”
- “The lack of social activities for 35 yr. +” - “Not enough gay bars and coffee shops.”
- “Lack of community organizing places.”
- “Difficult to find members at times - not enough events to meet new
people.”
- “The (apparent) utter lack of any sort of gay social scene that would
draw out anyone *other* than the usual few people one would see at
all gay themed/sponsored events and venues.”
The internalized
hierarchy and
oppression
15
- “The damned social hierarchy – I am super uncomfortable with that.
Also many places are still really unsafe for non-male-identified people,
or gender queers. Also unsafe for people who identify as religious.”
- “I dislike that there is so much internalized homophobia in our
community. There is a big separation between Gay men and Lesbians;
as well people in the drag/trans community are looked down on
by many people. I think their needs to be more education for the
community regarding accepting others in our own community.”
- “The oppressive ways in which race and class play out.”
- “It’s a lot less politicized in general than what I’m used to, trans
people are often erased by certain “mainstream” groups in our
community.”
- “Invisibility of transgender issues, information.”
- “Ageism and the divide between gays and lesbians.”
- “A certain bias towards people who identify as bi.” (I wonder if should
read bias against people who identify as bi?).”
- “There seems to be a lot of focus and resourcing to marginalized
members of the community. Assumption that if you are educated and
have a job it is up to you to create and find your supports...problem
is, there isn’t a lot out there for people who are not struggling with
addictions, or mental health issues or looking to religion for support.
It can be very lonely...and somewhat frustrating. There seems to be
a lot of back biting and gossiping about one another in the gay male
community...which sucks! We ought to be here for each other. And not
be taking glee in knocking the other down.”
Lack of visibility or
information
15
- “No geographic definition making it difficult to create a visual
presence.”
- “I seem to only hear about bar and club events. Would like to hear
other things!”
- “I don’t know where they are most the time. I don’t know where to
find others who share the same lifestyle as me. I don’t do bars, surely
there are other options.”
- “Not enough people volunteer in LGBTTQ community
organizations.”
- “Not enough knowledge about what’s happening in GLBT
community.”
Drug use
3
DRAMA
2
THE BAR SCENE
3
170 Scott Street
Winnipeg, MB R3L 0L3
(204) 474-0212