SHAWNA photovoice project shares photos and findings in exhibition and publication
Since 2017, a CGSHE team led by Dr. Andrea KrĂĽsi, Flo Ranville and Lulu Gurney working in partnership with YouthCO, the Afro-Canadian Positive Network of BC, Oak Tree Clinic and the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN), has been working with women living with HIV (WLWH) to document in innovative and creative ways that impacts of criminalization, stigma and discrimination in their lives. The SHAWNA photovoice project employed photography, collage and participatory analysis to highlight and illustrate these experiences. In September 2018, the project culminated in an exhibition and photo book launch event at a local Vancouver art space.
New Vancouver Foundation funding for Trans Health Research Project
A new research project co-led by PACE Society and CGSHE, in partnership with QMUNITY and Trans Care BC, has received new 3-year funding from the Vancouver Foundation through a Participatory Action Research grant. This new community-based study will investigate the factors that impact the accessibility, acceptability and quality of healthcare for transgender, Two Spirit, non-binary and gender diverse (trans) individuals in BC. The Vancouver Foundation’s Participatory Action Research Grant program aims to support collaborative research projects that are co-led by community members and researchers to learn more about the root causes of pressing issues impacting the health of communities. The focus of the fund is research that explores social determinants of health, using methodology that engages community members in all stages of the research process. We look forward to sharing more news and updates as the project gets started!
PCEPA continues the harms of criminalization, does not increase safety for sex workers
A recent feature in The Star investigated the impacts of criminalization of the sex industry in Canada, and featured new research from the CGSHE. The study demonstrates that sex workers across different types of work environments are not seeing an improvement in their safety after the enactment of the PCEPA, and in fact many are experiencing harms related to the new laws. This new research, led by Sylvia Machat and Dr. Shira Goldenberg, is part of the assessment of the impacts of PCEPA being conducted within the ongoing AESHA (An Evaluation of Sex Workers Health Access) Project, the CGSHE cohort study with Metro Vancouver sex workers. Among sex workers who were working in the area before and since the passing of the PCEPA, over 25% reported experiencing a worsening of their work conditions after the new laws came into place. …