Recently arrived refugees and immigrants who find themselves caught between their sexual and cultural identities can now find support in the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria’s Q+ Crew program.
Started by the ICA’s Youth and Family Services team, the peer-support program offers weekly sessions for immigrants as well as racialized Victoria youth.
As the largest resettlement assistance program service provider on Vancouver Island, the ICA plays a key role in welcoming newcomers to sa国际传媒, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender-diverse, it says.
Robin McGeough, gender equity and sexual diversity co-ordinator at the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, said many immigrants are at an intersection between their culture and sexual identity.
“They may be queer but when they get here, they only see white queer people. The program allows them to connect with others, to have conversations, to engage and build connections.”
McGeough said immigrants from countries with conservative social values often continue to hide their sexual orientation, since being open invites rejection and discrimination from members of their cultural community and alienation from their families.
“We have to be aware of the variables they face surrounding their gender and culture. For those who choose to hold on to both their culture and their queerness, validating their queerness has to take a back seat,” said McGeough.
He said the aim of the peer-support program is to help new immigrants and refugees, many of whom arrive alone and are at a higher risk of social isolation, to process their experiences and emotions.
“We help by giving them what resources they need, paint a realistic picture and let them know where they can find safety. We tell our participants: ‘We made this with you in mind’. It is a space where they can show up and have their voices heard and honoured, without them having to compromise any part of their identity.”
The program is led by five volunteers who have life experience in racism, homophobia and transphobia.
Joban Dhanoa, co-facilitator at the Q+ Crew, said most queer spaces in Victoria try their best to be inclusive, but the queer community is not immune to the social forces that shape society. “Racism and discrimination can persist, making it additionally challenging to feel like your whole identity is honoured and seen.”
