Community Needs Assessment
Transcription
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