Founded in 1995, Egale Canada Human Rights Trust (Egale) works to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and Two Spirit (LGBTQI2S) people in Canada and to enhance the global response to LGBTQI2S issues by informing public policy, inspiring cultural change, and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education and community engagement. Egale’s vision is a Canada, and ultimately a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias.

In response to LGBTQI2S youth’s heightened risk of experiencing homelessness, Egale founded Egale Youth OUTreach (EYO), the first of its kind in Canada, the drop-in crisis-based social service organization is dedicated to serving street-involved and homeless LGBTQI2S youth by providing counselling, crisis intervention and housing support. In the three years that EYO has operated, we have seen a significant increase in LGBTQ refugee and asylum seeker referrals. LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers face significant discrimination, harassment, and violence within their home countries. As a result, many struggle with trauma and mental health challenges stemming from the homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia they experienced prior to landing in Canada. These service users often approach EYO in need of ongoing support not available through government-funded settlement services. EYO therefore currently addresses a serious lack of funded service provisions for LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers, one that bridges the gap between arrival in Canada and reaching a holistic sense of health, wellbeing, and inclusion in their new communities.

To continue and build upon EYO’s successes, Egale recommends the Canadian government 1) implement long-term government investments and consistent funding that supports the ongoing support of LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers at all stages of the settlement process; 2) launch a large scale and national needs assessment to identify needs of LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers; and 3) introduce government investments directed into systems innovations and sustainability.