Addressing the Discrimination Experienced by Somali Canadians and Racialized LGBTQ Homeless Youth in Toronto

“Addressing the Discrimination Experienced by Somali Canadians and Racialized LGBTQ Homeless Youth in Toronto” is a one-year project conducted by Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR). In partnership with Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute, this community-based research project aims to identify issues of access, equity, and inclusion for two highly vulnerable and marginalized groups in Toronto: (a) the Somali Canadian community and (b) racialized LGBTQ homeless youth. More specifically, this project aims to explore the barriers and challenges facing these communities in the following six key areas: (i) employment; (ii) health; (iii) justice; (iv) education; (v) housing; and (vi) community engagement.

The research team recruited 10-15 members from each community to participate in two focus groups, one focused on Somali Canadians and the other on Racialized LGBTQ Homeless Youth, for a pair of enlightening two-hour long meetings. The researchers encouraged each participant to share their personal struggles and discuss issues related to the barriers and challenges that they face in relation to employment, health, justice, education, and housing.

This report provides UARR with vital information about what is currently required to fulfill its mission of working to maintain stable, peaceful, and harmonious relations among the various groups that call Toronto home. This project is also aligned with the Diversity Institute’s objective to develop customized strategies, programming, and resources to promote new, interdisciplinary knowledge and practice supporting diversity with respect to gender, race/ethnicity, Aboriginal peoples, abilities, and sexual orientation.

Publication Date: 
2015
Location: 
Toronto, ON, Canada