GSA and Anti-Homophobia/Transphobia Policy

Share Your Voice in an Advisory Group for the Canadian Trans & Non-Binary Youth Health Survey

Over 1,750 youth across the country participated in the Canadian Trans & Non-Binary Youth Health Survey. Now, we’re looking to youth to help shape a national report that will share the experiences of trans and non-binary youth. There are seven youth advisory groups taking place across Canada. At SARAYVC, we’re recruiting for British Columbia and rural/territories. You will be among the first to see the results of the survey, share your perspective, and help create social change alongside other teens.

Supportive families and schools help prevent substance use among transgender youth

Trans youth in Canada face high levels of violence, and this can contribute to substance use. However, research at SARAVYC showed that even when transgender youth experience high levels of violence or discrimination, a supportive family and safe school can make a difference. Specifically, strong family and school connections are helping prevent transgender youth from […]

Supporting the Health of LGBTQ2S Youth in Canada

The federal government invited briefings regarding the health of LGBTQ2S+ Canadians. As a research centre dedicating to improving health equity among stigmatized and vulnerable youth, we recognized this as a vital opportunity to contribute our expertise and draw attention to the specific needs of LGBTQ2S+ youth in Canada.

Investigating site-level longitudinal effects of population health interventions: Gay-Straight Alliances and school safety

Abstract There is limited research on evaluating nonrandomized population health interventions. We aimed to introduce a new approach for assessing site-level longitudinal effects of population health interventions (SLEPHI) by innovatively applying multiple group multilevel (MG-ML) modeling to repeated cycles of cross-sectional data collected from different individuals of the same sites at different times, a design […]

Gay-straight alliances contribute to a safer school climate long-term

New analytical methods show long-term effects, even for straight students Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) help make schools safer for students the longer they are in place, even among straight students, finds new research from the Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre at the University of British Columbia. “We found that students’ feelings of safety at […]

A Media-Based School Intervention to Reduce Sexual Orientation Prejudice and Its Relationship to Discrimination, Bullying, and the Mental Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adolescents in Western Canada: A Population-Based Evaluation

Abstract School interventions to address sexual orientation discrimination can be important tools for fostering inclusive school climate, and improving student wellbeing. In this study, we empirically evaluated a film-based intervention, Out in Schools, designed to reduce sexual orientation prejudice and foster inclusive school attitudes. Our evaluation mapped data about Out in Schools presentations onto student […]

LGBTQ+ Students in Alberta: 12 Evidence-Based Facts

Read and download the full fact-sheet as a PDF here.

LGBTQ+ Students in British Columbia: 12 Evidence-Based Facts

Read and download as a PDF here.

Can a play promote LGBTQ2S+ inclusion among students?

Come Along With Me: Linking LGBTQ Youth To Supportive Resources

Abstract In this study, we examine how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth, who tend to experience greater feelings of isolation and discrimination than heterosexual youth, find and become integrated into supportive activities and resources. As part of a larger study on supportive lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth environments, 66 go-along […]