Are the needs of racialized lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador being met? Preliminary findings from a focus group discussion with Canadian stakeholders

• Published in: International Journal of Social Welfare
• Main Authors: Giwa, Sulaimon, Alessi, Edward J., Mullings, Delores V., Carlson‐Strain, Miranda
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2020
• Subjects: Canada; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ijsw.12451; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ijsw.12451; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/ijsw.12451

This qualitative case study explored whether the settlement and integration needs of racialized lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) newcomers were being met. A total of eight stakeholders, representing either a settlement organization or an LGBTQ‐serving organization in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, participated in an invitation‐only focus group discussion. Informed by intersectionality theory and using thematic analysis of memos and triangulated arts‐informed visual recording, two overarching themes were identified: (i) challenges encountered in providing settlement and integration services; and (ii) solutions generated to improve their delivery. Preliminary findings suggested that the settlement needs of racialized LGBTQ newcomers were not being met; services were found to be sorely lacking; and settlement and LGBTQ providers lacked training, substantial knowledge, and resources to implement needed supports and services. However, stakeholders also envisioned the possibility of improved services for this population, such as adoption of an LGBTQ‐affirmative practice. Implications and recommendations for settlement practices, programs, and future research are discussed. Key Practitioner Message: • Settlement and LGBTQ service provider organizations must address current system inequities and commit to providing settlement and integration services to racialized LGBTQ newcomers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador • Interprofessional collaboration between settlement and LGBTQ service provider organizations can support the implementation of, and improve access to, culturally appropriate settlement services and programs for racialized LGBTQ newcomers • Using data‐driven methodologies, racialized LGBTQ newcomers should be consulted on their settlement and integration needs, to align these needs with service delivery .