Project 8: Coming Out to Care: An inclusivity study of the Standard for carer-employers

Surprisingly little is known about LGBTQI2S carers, and less about LGBTQI2S carer-employees. This project aims to understand the experiences of LGBTQI2S carer-employees (CEs) and how their LGBTQI2S identity impacts their comfort in accessing workplace accommodations. It also aims to identify if the Standard, as written, is culturally competent for LGBTQI2S carers; if it is not, this research will determine how the Standard and its implementation can be modified to make it more responsive to the needs of LGBTQI2S CEs.  This mixed-method, multi-stage project, will follow a pre-post intervention design and will take place at four sites in Central and Western Canada. With the assistance of UNIFOR, partner employers will be sought in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Thunder Bay, Saskatoon, and the Greater Vancouver Area. This project’s intended outcome is to improve the cultural competency of the Standard and its responsiveness to the needs of LGBTQI2S CEs; consequently, it will contribute to LGBTQ12S wellness and resilience.