Calgary’s first
LGBTQ HEALTH FORUM Leading change in LGBTQ health care Nov 28 2015 | Calgary, AB Health Sciences Centre
Early bird pricing until November 14
LGBTQ Health Forum The Issues Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people experience many of the same health issues as heterosexual and cisgender people; however, their health experiences are shaped by the impacts of homophobia and transphobia. Poorer health outcomes have been demonstrated in LGBTQ populations due to the systemic discrimination that many LGBTQ people face. In general, LGBTQ people receive lower quality health care than the population as a whole. Access to appropriate healthcare services for LGBTQ people has been recently identified as a key area for improvement across health jurisdictions in Canada. Unfortunately, medical education has been traditionally inadequate in preparing physicians to provide appropriate, effective care to LGBTQ patients – our hope, therefore, is to provide physicians and allied health care providers the skills and tools needed to competently work with LGBTQ patients through a collaborative health forum that brings together perspectives of medicine, research, and community health work. Forum Overview The LGBTQ Health Forum will provide an opportunity to address some of the gaps in medical education for practicing physicians, students, allied health care providers, and community members. Diverse experts in LGBTQ health are being brought together to raise awareness about LGBTQ health and build capacity among current and future providers in this area. The day will begin with introductory talks discussing LGBTQ health in broad strokes, LGBTQ research in Calgary. The plenary speaker, Dr. Zena Sharman, will then give an exciting discussion of LGBTQ experience and initiatives. The afternoon provides rich opportunities for participants to explore their areas of interest in LGBTQ health in concurrent workshops from Calgary organizations and clinicians working in LGBTQ health. Sessions and workshops are open to all audiences; however, many afternoon workshops are clinically oriented and geared toward health care providers and students. Please carefully read the descriptions before signing up to ensure you get the most out of the day. The Organizing Committee Medical Students for Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD) is a student led University of Calgary Student Union group that is dedicated to advancing LGBTQ Health both within the Cumming School of Medicine and in our roles as future physicians. Kira Ableson, Marguerite Heyns, Stephanie Hudson, and Shoghi Nikoo are elated to bring Calgary it’s first ever LGBTQ
health forum. We are grateful for the support and guidance of our physician colleagues, Drs. Doug Myhre and Joe Raiche. Goals of the LGBTQ Health Forum 1. Raise awareness about the common health issues in LGBTQ communities 2. Train health care providers and students to provide high-quality, patient centered care to LGBTQ people. 3. Inspire students and providers to advocate for LGBTQ health, and create a network of health care providers within Calgary and Alberta to sustain and move this work forward. Learning Objectives for the LGBTQ Health Forum 1. Participants will examine the impact of discrimination and stigma on the health of LGBT patients. 2. Participants will know and understand a range of health disparities related to LGBT communities. 3. Participants will be able to demonstrate increased cultural and clinical competence in their practice with LGBT patients 4. Participants will learn clinical skills in LGBTQ primary care, including hormone management for trans patients.
Sponsors Medical Students for Gender and Sexual Diversity would like to thank the following sponsors and partners for their contributions to the LGBTQ Health Forum:
Alberta Medical Association www.albertadoctors.org
University of Calgary Students’ Union su.ucalgary.ca
Bolder Graphics www.boldergraphics.com
University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine cumming.ucalgary.ca
Lunch sponsored by the Undergraduate Medical Education Keynote sponsored by the Office of Professionalism and Equity Photography by of Adam Deunk Graphic design by Alex Troniak
Schedule 8:30am - 9:00am
Registration and refrehments
9:00am - 9:30am
Opening remarks Medical Students for Gender and Sexual Diversity Undergraduate Medical Education Office of Equity and Professionalism
9:30am - 10:30am
LGBTQ Health 101 Chelsea Kelba Calgary Sexual Health Centre
10:30am - 10:45am
Break
10:45am - 11:45am
LGBTQ Research Snapshot Brian Hansen Dr. Carmen Logie Facilitated by Dr. Zena Sharman
11:45am - 12:30pm
Plenary: Queer and Trans Voices on Health and Health Care Dr. Zena Sharman Lunch
12:30pm - 1:30pm 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Concurrent workshops Participants choose one from the eight offered
3:00pm - 3:15pm
Break
3:15pm - 5:00pm
Concurrent workshops Participants choose one from the eight offered
Sessions LGBTQ Health 101 Chelsea Kelba, Calgary Sexual Health Centre Overview: This talk will provide an overview of LGBTQ Health, and will address topics such as myths and stereotypes related to LGBTQ people, and define important concepts such as the differences between sexual orientation, sexual behaviour, and gender. The diverse health needs of LGBTQ communities will be reviewed, with a focus on how discrimination and social isolation can lead to poor health outcomes in LGBTQ populations. Objectives • Provide an overview of key issues in LGBTQ health • Examine the impact of discrimination and stigma on the health of LGBTQ people • Identify key priorities in LGBTQ health care in Calgary LGBTQ Health Research Snapshot Brian Hansen, Dr. Carmen Logie, facilitated by Dr. Zena Sharman Overview: Enhancing the evidence base around LGBTQ health is integral to designing services and policy to improve health and wellness of LGBTQ communities. This session will focus on two key initiatives in LGBTQ health research. The Calgary Men’s Wellness Initiative is a community-based research project investigating the health and wellness needs of gay, bisexual, queer, and trans men in Calgary. Queer Women Conversations is a group-based psycho-educational HIV/STI intervention with LBQ women in Calgary and Toronto. Key findings will be illustrated, highlighting important implications for health service delivery, and next steps for LGBTQ health research in Alberta. Objectives • Provide a snapshot of local LGBTQ health research projects, and implications of this research for innovations in health care delivery • Identify key priorities for future LGBTQ health research Plenary Session: Why Stories Matter: Delivering Patient-Centred Care to LGBTQ Populations Dr. Zena Sharman How do stories build understanding, foster empathy and create connection between LGBTQ patients and their health care providers? How can they be used to support patient-centred care? This talk draws on real-life examples to explore the power of personal narrative and the health knowledge that circulates in queer and trans communities. It centres patients’ voices and offers evidence-informed strategies providers can use to enhance the experiences of their LGBTQ patients. Objectives • Centre LGBTQ patients’ voices through stories and personal narrative • Provide an overview of the concept of patient-centred care as it applies to LGBTQ
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populations Offer evidence-informed strategies for enhancing the experience of LGBTQ patients
Please select two of the following workshops, and indicate your choices on registration Workshop One: Hormone Management for Trans Patients Dr. Ted Jablonski Overview: Hormone therapy is an essential part of medical transition for trans people, and with some basic fundamentals can be managed in primary health care settings. This session will provide a practical overview of hormone therapy management for health care providers and “trouble shooting” solutions for real case scenarios and clinical concerns. Objectives • Review fundamentals of hormone transition for trans people • Increase participant confidence to manage hormone therapy by working through real clinical scenarios • Provide resources for support in clinical practice Workshop Two: Hormone Readiness Assessments in the Primary Care Setting Dr. Joe Raiche Overview: As awareness of transgender patients increases in primary care practice, little training has historically existed to help bridge the current knowledge and comfort gaps in optimally caring for these individuals during their medical and social transitions. The primary care setting is often the initial point of contact for trans patients requesting hormone therapy. In contemplating this, both physical and mental health considerations need to be addressed. This workshop will focus on the mental health aspects involved in hormone readiness assessments and how to conduct them within a primary care setting. Knowing which patients would be suitable candidates for PCP-initiated hormone therapy, and which may require the support of a specialized gender clinic is one factor that can improve timely access to care. Strategies for incorporating hormone readiness assessments into primary care will be reviewed, and case studies will be used to guide decision-making and referral options. Objectives • Outline the consensus criteria for hormone therapy eligibility. • Develop an approach to working with trans patients seeking hormone therapy to know when to proceed and when to refer to a specialized clinic. • Build comfort and competency in hormone readiness assessments by working through several case studies. Workshop Three: LGBTQ Primary Care Dr. Jane Dunstan Overview: Primary care for LGBTQ patients can be done by specialized providers - but
it doesn't need to be! This workshop will focus on LGBTQ-inclusive approaches to common primary care scenarios. Specific topics will include STI screening & sexual history-taking, cancer screening, immunizations, and approach to preventative care for trans* patients. Objectives • Provide an overview of unique considerations in LGBTQ primary health care • Enhance skills in LGBTQ primary care by working through case scenarios in a small group setting • Improving confidence for providers who have small numbers of LGBTQ patients in their practice but want to provide LGBTQ-inclusive care. Workshop Four: Organizational Considerations for LGBTQ Health Calgary Sexual Health Centre Overview: This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on individual attitudes and beliefs related to sexuality and gender, as well as organizational policies and practices that can contribute to stigma. There will be a focus on practical strategies and tools that can help create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ clients or patients. Objectives • Increase participant knowledge of the various forms of stigma, including personal values and beliefs as well as organizational policies and practices • Increase participant ability to self-reflect on personal values and beliefs related to sexuality, gender, and sexual behavior • Increase awareness of how to develop a personal action plan for increased LGBTQ organizational competency, and the delivery of services that are neither stigmatizing nor discriminatory Workshop Five: Gender Dysphoria - Epidemiological, Medical and Clinical Considerations Metta Clinic This workshop will involve viewing a pre-recorded presentation on Gender Dyphoria that outlines the epidemiology, medical, and clinical considerations of GD and how this information informs those working with Transgender and gender-variant young people. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A with two mental health therapists who work in the newly formed Metta Clinic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Objectives • This workshop will explore the objectives regarding Gender Dysphoria: Epidemiology and Trajectory, Diagnostic Criteria, Medical Management, Clinical considerations, and Local Resources (including the Metta clinic) Workshop Six: On Hold: Investigating Transgender Health Access in Canada Film Screening and Facilitated Discussion Overview: Transgender health access is a rarely discussed but highly contentious topic in Canada. While nine out of ten provinces offer some access to some surgeries— though there is only one hospital, in Montreal, that provides the full gamut of
treatments—New Brunswick stands alone by not offering any funded procedures to transgender individuals. This documentary follows AJ Ripley, a non-binary transgender person who prefers the pronouns "they and them," as they take us through their life in New Brunswick fighting for access to proper health services. "On Hold" offers a Canadian perspective of what transgender patients go through to access fair treatment in the healthcare system, and doctors and experts who say providing this care is both possible and, in fact, the difference between life and death. The film screening will be followed by a discussion with one of the physicians featured in this documentary. Objectives • Increase participant knowledge of the barriers trans people face when accessing health services in Canada • Increase awareness about both patient and provider perspectives about the state of the Canadian health care system, and it’s ability to service trans patients. Workshop Seven: Supporting LGBTQ People Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence Peer Support Services This interactive workshop aims to build capacity amongst health care professionals in offering services to LGBTQ* individuals experiencing domestic violence. Participants will be provided with practical tools for working with clients and opportunity to learn from each other in order to build best practice agencies and organizations. Objectives • Learn about the additional barriers and challenges members of the LGBTQ* communities are faced with when experiencing domestic violence. • Create awareness of the differences in LGBTQ* domestic violence, the effect of stigma and heterosexism on the ability to access services and the differences of equality and equity when offering services to LGBTQ* individuals experiencing domestic violence. Workshop Eight: Diversity of Sexual Expression: Normalisation, Safety, and Language Eudaimonia Sexuality Seminars Overview: Positive and inclusive communication is vital in creating an open dialogue with patients, particularly in situations that require disclosure of information regarding sexual health. This workshop will emphasise the importance of awareness of a broader spectrum of sexual expression in order to communicate positively and more effectively with patients. With focus on a selection of sexual practices and activities, risk, methods of safe or safer practice, and the importance of positive language will be discussed. Objectives • By shedding light on the multitude of ways that one can express their sexuality, particularly those practices that diverge from the socially accepted norm, and discussing how they can be done in a manner that is safe, sane, and consensual, our goal is to help the audience to be better prepared for care of patients who engage in said practices.
Speakers Dr. Zena Sharman is a femme force of nature and a passionate advocate for queer and trans health. She has over a decade’s experience in health research, including seven years as the Assistant Director of the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health, Canada’s national gender and health research funding institute. Zena serves on the board of Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre, a holistic health care centre for transgender and gender-diverse communities. From 2013-2015 she was a board member of the Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health. She’s currently editing The Remedy: Queer and Trans Voices on Health and Health Care (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2016), an anthology that brings together her love of writing and stories with her commitment to making the world a healthier and more equitable place for people of all sexualities and genders. Zena coedited the Lambda Literary award-nominated anthology, Persistence: All Ways Butch and Femme (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2011). She has a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from UBC. Her resume also includes party thrower, cabaret host, campus radio DJ, go-go dancer for a punk band, and elementary school public speaking champion. Zena is grateful to live and write on the lands of the Musqueam, Sḵwxwú7mesh, and TsleilWaututh people. Chelsea Kelba is the Training Centre Coordinator at the Calgary Sexual Health Centre, providing customized workshops to over a thousand professionals across Alberta each year. She has taught physicians, medical students, nursing students, social workers, youth workers, foster parents, addiction workers, counsellors, and more, on addressing issues of sexuality and diversity in their work. Her previous work experience has been in the areas of suicide prevention, crisis intervention, mental health, teenage pregnancy and parenting, and employment assistance. She has a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Calgary, specializing in Health and Society. Dr. Carmen Logie is an Assistant Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, an Adjunct Scientist at Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, and a Senior Academic Lupina Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs. Her program of research, which is funded by Canadian
Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), addresses health and human rights with a particular focus on social and structural drivers of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI), including intersectional stigma. Her research enhances understanding of HIV/STI vulnerability among diverse marginalized populations, and informs the development, implementation and evaluation of multi-level HIV and STI prevention interventions. She has active programs of research in Jamaica, Southern Africa (Swaziland, Lesotho), and Canada (Ontario, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut) with LGBTQ communities, African and Caribbean people, Indigenous people, and persons at the intersections of these identities. Brian Hanson is the research coordinator for the Calgary Men's Wellness Initiative, a community-based study at Mount Royal University that is investigating the health and wellness needs of MSM in Calgary. In addition, Brian is a researcher with Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence at the University of Calgary, where his work investigates the prevention of domestic violence in LGBTQ relationships in Alberta. Beyond his research roles, Brian is also the gay men's health promotion specialist at the Calgary Sexual Health Centre, where his work focuses on developing and delivering HIV-prevention interventions targeting young gay men. Dr. Ted Jablonski is an award winning family physician based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has taught and practiced family medicine in rural Manitoba, Northern Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario before moving to Calgary where he is currently in full-time practice within an innovative, interdisciplinary community family practice. Dr. Jablonski has a special interest in CHE for physicians, medical professionals as well as the public and has been involved in the creation and delivery of a wide range of programs at provincial, national and international levels. Ted is a sought after speaker, trainer, media spokesperson and educator with many conference, radio, television and video credits. Dr. Jablonski, a Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Calgary, Department of Family Medicine is a Certification Examiner and Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. In addition to family medicine, Jablonski has done consultant work in sexual and transgender medicine for Southern Alberta and central British Columbia for over a decade. He currently holds a leadership role within the Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network and Alberta TOP (Towards Optimized Practice). Dr. Jablonski has also been involved as an investigator in Phase III and Phase IV clinical research trials in a number of therapeutic areas for over a decade. He received an Award of Excellence from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in 2013 and was awarded Outstanding Family Physician of the Year by the University of Calgary Dept. of Family Medicine in 2015. Ted successfully ran, cycled and spoke across Canada in 2010 to raise awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the stigma of mental illness. “Dr J� continues to moonlight as a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter with 7 indie CD releases.
Dr. Joe Raiche is a psychiatrist working with both transgender adult and youth populations at the Foothills Medical Centre and Alberta Children’s Hospital. His main clinical focus is providing psychiatric care for trans and gender non-conforming individuals who require support during their social and physical transition, and for those interested, connection with endocrinology and gender-affirming surgeries. He also splits his time at the Women’s Mental Health Clinic at Foothills, where his interest in human sexuality and perinatal mental health completes an enjoyable and rewarding outpatient practice. Dr. Jane Dunstan is a family physician, and a recent arrival to Calgary. She completed her medical training at the University of Toronto, where she developed a strong interest in LGBTQ health and medical education initiatives. She decided to continue in Toronto, completing her family medicine residency in 2014 at St Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto's West end. During her residency training, she made plans and secured funding for a six-month, self-directed PGY3 program in LGBT Health, based out of Sherbourne Health Centre, in Toronto. This training program ended in February of 2015. She moved to Calgary in July, and is currently working at CUPS and The Alex Youth clinic. Meagan Filteau developed a passion for sex education during her six years working in adult retail. Her experiences inspired her to study Psychology and Sex and Intimacy Counselling at the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling. Seeing that there was a great need for more broad sexual education resources in Calgary, she and a small group of other sex-positive educators founded Eudaimonia. In her free time, Meagan volunteers at the Calgary Sexual Health Centre and the Inside Out Leadership Development Group, and is an active member of many local sex-positive communities and organisations.
Tierra Marasse is a student studying Education and English at the University of Calgary. Tierra became passionate about human sexuality while working in the adult retail industry, and has continued to learn and educate others. They currently spend their time outside of class volunteering Camp fYrefly and LOVE (Lending Our Volunteers Everywhere), as well as raising two young children. Tierra is an integral part of the Eudaimonia team and a talented artist.
Amanda Richardson has enjoyed a 20+ year career working with children, youth, and their families in a variety of therapeutic settings. For the past 11years, Amanda has been with the Alberta Health Services mental health portfolio working first, as a mental health clinician with Access Mental Health and currently as a Program Facilitator and therapist for Transitional Youth Services and Successful Transitions. In addition to her current role, Amanda is the Chair and a therapist for the recently formed Metta Clinic for transgender individuals at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Amanda completed her Masters of Counselling Psychology in 2009 but continues to have a passion for research and expanding her knowledge regarding the impact of mental health issues on adolescents and young adults. To this end, she was a contributor in an award-winning research poster for Transitional Youth Service that was presented at the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Conference in Ottawa, Canada and a copresenter at the International Psychotherapy Conference in London, England and the Canadian Association of Psychiatry Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. Amanda prides herself on her program development skills and has a passion for improving accessibility to services for young people with mental health challenges. Amanda believes that knowledge is power and is committed to sharing her knowledge with others who are interested in learning more about the diverse populations with whom she works. Teresa Coker is a Family Therapist with Transitional Youth Services at Alberta Health Services. Transitional Youth Services provides individual, family and group therapy, psychiatric consultation, as well as case management, to young people aged 16-24 years who are struggling with mental health problems and life transitions. Teresa has worked in mental health at Alberta Health Services for almost 10 years. Teresa has a BA in Criminology from Carleton University and she received her BSW and MSW from the University of Calgary. She teaches in the Social Work faculties of both the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University. Teresa has a particular passion for work with the LGBTQ population. Teresa is one of the therapists with the Metta Gender Clinic and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Jane Oxenbury, M.Ed., R.Psych. has a private practice in Calgary, Alberta, where she works extensively with the LGBT communities, especially in the areas of same-sex domestic violence, the bullying and harassment of LGBT youth and Gender Dysphoria. She is a member of the Psychologists Association of Alberta, the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Canadian Psychologists Association, the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, and the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis – Alberta Division. She co-chairs the Safety Under the Rainbow capacity building project. She has co-authored the chapters “Counselling Lesbians” in “Culturally-Infused Counselling: Celebrating the Canadian Mosaic, 2005”and “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
and Intersex Individuals” in “Canadian Counselling Psychology in the 21st Century” (2015). Rachel Braeuer is the latest addition to the PSSAW team, serving as their LGBTQ* Domestic Violence Program Coordinator. She is an educator, facilitator, and writer with a background in LGBTQ and gender studies, performance studies, and literature and has given lectures in these areas across Canada and in the U.S. She is an active LGBTQ* community member, involved with a range of different queer organizations in Calgary