Grant: Op. Gr. Adv. 2S_LGBTQI+ Heal. Thr. Res. - 2S/LGBTQI+ Older Persons Health

Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexually and gender-diverse (2S/LGBTQIA+) people aged 55 and older often experience poorer health, higher levels of loneliness and depression, and greater difficulty accessing safe and affirming health and social care than other older adults in Canada. These challenges are shaped by lifelong experiences of stigma, discrimination, racism, colonial harm, poverty, disability-related barriers, and rural or remote living. Despite this, many 2S/LGBTQIA+ older adults, especially Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people, trans and nonbinary elders, racialized communities, asexual and intersex people, and lesbian/queer women, have been largely left out of health research. As a result, there is little national evidence on their health needs, lived experiences, or what kinds of supports work best as they age. This national, Elder-led study aims to address these gaps by building new evidence on health, wellbeing, and access to care among 2S/LGBTQIA+ older adults across Canada, and by developing practical, community-led solutions to improve later-life wellbeing. The study will analyze existing national health surveys to better understand chronic health conditions, healthcare use, and unmet needs. It will then collect new data through a national, multilingual survey of 1,000 2S/LGBTQIA+ older adults, along with interviews and Elder-guided sharing circles to centre lived experience, culture, and community strengths. Finally, the project will co-design and test community-led programs (such as peer and Elder-supported care navigation) in three provinces to reduce isolation and improve access to affirming, culturally safe, accessible care. Throughout the study, community investigators, Elders, and Knowledge Holders will guide the research and knowledge sharing. Findings will support better programs, services, and policies to improve health and wellbeing for 2S/LGBTQIA+ older adults across Canada.