From the Community-Based Research Centre
A familiar face at Summit 2018
We are pleased to announce Dr. Olivier Ferlatte, a post-doctoral research fellow at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use as one of our keynote speakers at Community-Based Research Centre’s national event being held November 8 to 10, 2018 in Vancouver. He will join previously announced speakers Harlan Pruden and Rahim Thawer.
What will it take? Preventing suicide and depression among sexual and gender minorities
Olivier will talk about the social stigma and persisting social inequities, which result in sexual and gender minorities experiencing higher rates of depression and suicide. Despite this, there is a scarcity of services to promote mental health among this population and there are no LGBTQ2S+ specific suicide prevention programs. Stigma continues to make it difficult for sexual and gender minorities to reach out for help when they need it. It is within this context that the Still Here Project was launched. The Still Here Project is a multi-method study aimed at stimulating conversations about mental health and identifying solutions to the high rates of suicide and depression among sexual and gender minorities. The research activities of the Still Here Project include a photovoice project and a survey. For the photovoice component, 75 sexual and gender minorities affected by suicide took photographs related to suicide that were shared and discussed in an interview. Over 700 photographs were collected, and they provide an intimate look into the experience of someone experiencing suicidality and furthering the understanding of what interventions are needed. The survey, which was available online in English and French at the end of 2017, was answered by 2800 sexual and gender minorities from across Canada and focused on mental health literacy and experiences with mental health services. This presentation will review the Still Here project’s main findings and discuss “what it will take?” to reverse the long-standing inequities of suicide and depression faced by sexual and gender minorities.
About Olivier
Dr. Olivier Ferlatte is a post-doctoral research fellow at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use. He has over 15 years of experience in LGBTQ+ community-based health promotion and research. His research work focuses on the relationship between stigma, marginalization, violence, and negative health outcomes among sexual and gender minorities. He is a recognized expert on syndemics among gay and bisexual men, and findings drawn from his research have influenced policies and the development of programs to improve the sexual and mental health of gay and bisexual men. Dr. Ferlatte currently leads the Still Here project, a multi-methods study investigating depression and suicide among sexual and gender minorities. Dr. Ferlatte is also the vice-president of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
Summit Registration Open
Don’t miss this opportunity for capacity building, training, and education initiatives designed to strengthen the network of those working and volunteering in GBT2Q men’s health. Local, national and international activists – community members and researchers alike – present on the latest trends in GBT2Q men’s health, sexual health, population health and the determinants of health. Summit registration is now open! For more information, and to register, follow this link.
About Summit
The Gay Men’s Health Summit is an annual forum for addressing gay men’s health and HIV prevention. Launched in 2005 by Community-Based Research Centre, the Summit provides opportunities to strengthen the network of those working and volunteering in gay men’s health through capacity building, training, and education initiatives.