Research survey aims to better understand 2S/LGBTQIA+ sexual and reproductive needs

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on June 13, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Community-Based Research Centre has released a Canada-wide survey to better understand the sexual and reproductive health needs of 2S/LGBTQIA+ people.

The survey, called “Our Bodies, Our Health,” is a partnership between research teams in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, as well as seven community-based research training programs.

“2S/LGBTQIA+ communities have historically been excluded from health research and public health data related to sexual and reproductive health,” said Marie Geoffroy, associate director of research at CBRC, in a press release. “This survey will address those gaps and advocate for the care that meets our communities’ needs. We need strong evidence of the current challenges 2S/LGBTQIA+ people face in terms of getting care tailored to their experiences, bodies, sexual practices and reproductive desires.”

Topics on the survey will include gender-affirming care, sexual behaviour and health, family planning, cancer prevention, as well as discrimination and violence. Care is being taken to include those who may experience additional barriers to care, such as people of colour, immigrants, disabled and chronically ill people, youth and those living in remote and rural areas.

All survey responses are confidential, and participants may receive a small honorarium for their time. The survey is live for online input already at cbrc.net/ourbodiesourhealth, and an in-person event will be present at Lethbridge Pride on June 28.

“We will use data that 2S/LGBTQIA+ folks share to inform community advocacy, shape inclusive health policies and ultimately improve care for our communities,” said Nathan Lachowsky, research director at CBRC and professor at the University of Victoria. “The answers provided will go a long way in working to improve the sexual and reproductive health and wellness of our communities and push for the change we need.”

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