TOP SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED ISSUES February 8 to July 31, 2012 ________________________________________________ Number of Mentions ISSUE ________________________________________________ 12 7 6 1 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 LGBTQ Student

Groups LGBTQ Health = LGBTQ Health Specifically + Trans Health Specifically Trans Human Rights Catholic Schools Bullying of LGBTQ Youth Youth Sexual Health Education Support for People Coming Out Support for LGBTQ Youth, Generally Support for LGBTQ Refugees / Immigrants

How to read the document (How the information was coded) 1. All points have been broken down into informational elements. Numbers in brackets (2) before each point indicates the number of times a point was mentioned by respondents. Indented points are points that were made to add to or specify the point that was found above. Ellipses () indicate informational elements that were deemed not substantially significant. Indented points deemed substantially significant were still listed with their bracketed number of mentions (3). Items marked Specifically Mentioned were items that were listed as an issue in and of themselves. They appeared frequently enough to merit their own identification. 2. All points have been organized into Groupings, according to issues / themes Numbers in square brackets [3] beside Grouping titles indicate the number of times a substantially significant point was made around an issue / theme. This was done to provide a sense of the Groupings relative importance / prominence. If a point did not seem to fit any particular issue / theme, then it was listed as its own issue with an indication of the number of times it was mentioned by respondents (ie Specific Mentions)

3. All points / groupings have been organized in descending order.

_________________________________________________ [39] THE EDUCATION SYSTEM (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (1) The Education System (Specifically Mentioned) (12) LGBTQ Student Groups (Specifically Mentioned) (1) To be encouraged (1) To be made available in every school (1) To ensure proper implementation. (1) Especially in Catholic Schools (2) As a means to combat bullying. (5) Catholic Schools (Specifically Mentioned) (4) To defund them (1) To implement positive space training (1) Religious ignorance / intolerance (1) Concerns about the rise in home-schooling As a means to indoctrinate children (1) Access to Education, Generally (1) Access to Post-Secondary Education Especially for LGBTQ Students (1) Increasing Tuition Fees / Student loans (1) Lack of gainful employment after graduation (1) Lack of funding for students in public schools (1) Cuts to art, drama, music, and sports programs [13] Re: The Curriculum (1) Ensuring that curriculum is not LGBTQ-phobic (5) Sex / Sexual Health Education That begins before puberty That includes the basics That includes safety That debunks myths That includes clear, correct information About same-sex sexual activity About LGBTQ-related info About HIV prevention That is not barred by religious beliefs. (3) Social / Historical LGBTQ Education That integrates LGBTQ facts throughout the curriculum. (See the San Francisco model) (2) Tolerance / Compassion Education. From kindergarten onward.

(1) Healthy Relationship Education With oneself By learning self-respect By learning self-appreciation Esp. around gender Esp. around sexuality With others By respecting differences. By appreciating differences. (1) French Education To develop actual bilingualism _________________________________________________ [32] LGBTQ HEALTH (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (6) LGBTQ Health (Specifically Mentioned) (1) Trans Health (Specifically Mentioned) (2) Equitable Services (2) Availability of LGBTQ-specific / friendly Services (1) Especially in non-urban areas. (2) Accessibility of LGBTQ-specific / friendly Services (3) Especially of doctors (1) Aware of LGBTQ issues (1) Aware of sexual health issues (1) Especially of family health teams (1) Government initiatives to increase awareness of LGBTQ issues/needs among health professionals. (1) Accessibility of Sexual Health Information (1) Especially for LGBTQ Youth (1) Tightening health care approach to confidentiality (1) OHIP Coverage of Sexual Reassignment Surgery (3) Re: CAMH / Torontos Monopoly on SRS (2) Problematic because of availability. Only one surgeon in the province is authorized to approve funding. (2) Problematic because of accessibility. Travelling to Toronto for appointments is inconvenient and costly. (1) Should be available in all municipalities (1) Should be client-centred / community-run

_________________________________________________ [31] SOCIAL SUPPORT (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (5) For People Coming Out (1) Especially youth From all geographic regions From all backgrounds From all religions From all cultures (1) Especially people new to Canada (1) Especially teachers In public schools In private schools (1) Especially public figures (5) For LGBTQ Youth (1) By providing financial support to curb homelessness (1) By providing positive LGBTQ mentors. (1) By setting up crisis lines. (5) For LGBTQ Immigrants / Refugees (1) By making easier for them to stay. (1) By making them feel welcome, locally. (1) By taking a firm stance on LGBTQ rights worldwide. Case in point: Uganda (2) For LGBTQ Elders (1) By establishing spaces for LGBTQ seniors (1) By training professional support workers (1) By providing intergenerational supports (1) By providing social support (1) By promoting health and wellness (1) By reducing isolation (1) For LGBTQ Parents By developing assistance programs By providing programs for children By promoting family visibility (1) For LGBTQ People Abroad (1) Ensuring that they are respected (1) As residents (1) As visitors (1) As workers (1) Especially in United States (1) With respect to marriage recognition (1) With respect to adoption recognition (1) For LGBTQ People who are Racialized (1) For LGBTQ People in Rural Areas (1) For LGBTQ People who are Religious

_________________________________________________ [29] COMMUNITY TENSIONS (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (3) Community In-Fighting / Bickering Think: unity in numbers (1) Internalized Oppression (1) Because of elitism (1) Because of inequality (1) On the basis of ethnicity (1) On the basis of ability (1) Internalized homophobia (1) Transphobia (1) Transmysogyny (1) Biphobia (1) Polyphobia (1) Misogyny (1) Sexism (1) Racism (1) Religious problems (1) Complacency (1) Loss of momentum in HIV/AIDS education (1) Lack of awareness of LGBTQ rights history (1) Trans people being left behind in the wake of gay male social and legal victories (2) Lesbian / Dyke invisibility (1) Bisexual invisibility (1) Polyamorous invisibility (1) Parental invisibility (1) Highlighting similarities, not differences. Putting an end to LGBTQ victimization Putting an end to the use of the gay card (1) Esp. by ultra-left / identity politics fringes, who vilify more moderate LGBTQ people (1) Separating sexual orientation From polyamory From nudism

_________________________________________________ [22] GENDER-BASED RIGHTS (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (7) Trans Human Rights (Specifically Mentioned) (1) Especially for Trans Youth (4) Trans inclusion in Human Rights Codes (1) Changing social/political approach to trans people (1) Legal protections for non-binarily gendered people (2) Womens equity. (1) Womens visibility. Re: Sex Designations (2) Eliminating the use of sex on government docs. (1) Amending the Vital Statistics Act to de-list surgery as a criteria for a change in sex designation. (1) Simplifying the change of designation process (1) Making the change of designation process less costly _________________________________________________ [15] LGBTQ YOUTH (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (5) Bullying of LGBTQ Youth (1) The need for anti-bullying training For teachers For youth (4) Youth Suicide (1) Youth Homophobia (1) LGBTQ Youth Services In non-urban areas (1) Standards in Youth Counselling Ensuring that it not take place in homes. Ensuring LGBTQ positivity (1) Ensure that no child is held hostage to an environment where they are told that they are less-than because they are LGBTQ. In faith-based schools Especially publicly-funded ones. (1) Treat mental/emotional/spiritual abuse as a crime Start sending people to prison for it.

________________________________________________ [14] SOCIAL JUSTICE / APPROACHES (GROUPING) ________________________________________________ (1) Social Justice (Specifically Mentioned) (2) Equality before the law (1) Eliminating laws that are Heterosexist Homophobic Transphobic Biphobic (2) Acceptance for sexual and gender diversity (1) Instead of Heterormativity (1) Instead of Homonormativity. (1) Ensuring that the rights of LGBTQ people are not made secondary to rights of religious people. (1) The right to adopt children. (1) The right to marry. (2) Undoing the institution of marriage to make individuals the core unit for rights and privileges. (1) Solidarity with First Nations people in Ontario _________________________________________________ [12] PRIDE / VISIBILITY / COMMUNITY-BUILDING _________________________________________________ (3) Establishing LGBTQ Community Centres In every major city. In every city. In all communities (2) Building networks between LGBTQ communities (1) Provincially (1) Internationally (1) Establishing a national Pride Day (1) Ensuring that Pride is celebrated in more areas. (1) Establishing LGBTQ spaces outside of ghettoized LGBTQ areas Especially for LGBTQ Youth (1) Involve non-LGBTQ Ontarians in LGBTQ orgs (1) Encourage the formation of local chapters.

_________________________________________________ [11] MENTAL HEALTH (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (2) Mental Health (Specifically Mentioned) (2) Lack of LGBTQ-specific / friendly professionals Who are covered by OHIP Lack of knowledge about Mental Health Services (1) By individuals who are LGBTQ (1) By individuals with English as 2nd lang. (1) By immigrants / newcomers (1) Stigma associated with mental health issues. (1) Lack of client-centred / community-based care. (1) Limited access to Mental Health Services (1) Low standards of care for people in need ________________________________________________ [11] EMPLOYMENT (GROUPING) ________________________________________________ (1) Employment (Specifically Mentioned) (1) Job losses (Economy) (1) Job losses (Being Fired) Because of homophobia For reporting harassment. (3) Discrimination in the workplace (2) Due to sexual orientation (1) Due to disability (1) Lack of employer understanding/flexibility for those with disabilities for those with other medical needs (1) The need for workplace democracy _________________________________________________ [10] GOVERNMENT / SOCIAL SERVICES (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (2) Social Services (Specifically Mentioned) (2) Equitable Services (1) The Development of LGBTQ-specific Services (1) Especially Community Housing (2) Especially Shelters (1) For men. (1) Employment assistance

_________________________________________________ [09] CAPITALIST VALUES (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (1) Capitalism / Statism (4) The corporatization of Pride (1) The corporatization of gay white men. (1) The breakdown of neighbourhoods because of large, international chain stores. (1) The breakdown of neighbourhoods because of overzealous condo developers. (1) Conservation and promotion of Socialist values. _____________________________________________ [09] STIGMA (GROUPING) _____________________________________________ (3) Stigma (Specifically Mentioned) (1) Negative attitudes towards LGBTQ people (1) Especially Homophobia (1) Especially Transphobia (1) Lack of acceptance amongst general population (1) Fear of rejection and violence (1) The tendency to closet / self-censor. _________________________________________________ [09] VISIBILITY / REPRESENTATION (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (2) Increasing positive portrayals of LGBTQ people In advertising On screen In television In print (1) Encouraging public figures to come out (1) And to speak openly and publicly about their LGBTQ status; not to hide it. (1) Making Ontario LGBTQ stories available / known locally and provincially Especially in immediate formats ie video. (1) Making LGBTQ literature publicly accessible. (1) Increasing library LGBTQ library collections (1) Protecting freedom of speech (1) To speak and write about LGBTQ issues.

________________________________________________ [08] LACK OF FUNDING / SUPPORT (GROUPING) ________________________________________________ (3) Lack of Financial Support (1) For non-mainstream / grassroots orgs (1) For community-based LGBTQ programs (1) For municipal LGBTQ initiatives (1) Lack of infrastructure To support community programs Especially LGBTQ programs (1) Lack of accessible grant money _________________________________________________ SEX-NEGATIVE LAWS (GROUPING) [8] _________________________________________________ (1) Sex-Negative Laws (Specifically Mentioned) (3) Criminalization of people with HIV (1) Criminalization of nudity. (1) Persecution of pornography. (1) Unequal ages of consent for LGBTQ people. (1) Placing a publication ban on the names and occupations of people accused of unlawful sexual behaviours. _________________________________________________ [8] ENVIRONMENT (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (4) Environment (Specifically Mentioned)

_________________________________________________ [5] SEX WORK (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (2) Sex Work (Specifically Mentioned) (1) The decriminalization of (1) Changing the legal status of sex workers (1) Protecting sex workers from danger _________________________________________________ [5] PARLIAMENT (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (2) More representation in government (1) Stephen Harper (the Prime Minister) (1) The Federal Conservatives (1) Online Surveillance Bills _________________________________________________ [3] POLICING (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (1) Reduce police powers (1) Put an end to the use of agent provocateurs. (1) Increase sensitivity towards LGBTQ people ____________________________________________ [3] RELIGIOUS HOSTILITY (GROUPING) ____________________________________________ (2) Challenging the Religious Right (1) Making churches more inclusive / friendly _________________________________________________

(1) Addressing climate change (1) Protecting the environment from the economy. (1) Evaluating the impact of the way we live. (1) Supporting grassroots movements / programs _______________________________________________ [5] POVERTY (GROUPING) ________________________________________________ (1) Poverty (Specifically Mentioned) (1) Income Inequality (1) Lack of housing That is affordable That is safe That is secure (1) Homelessness (1) Inability to afford basic essentials with government assistance.

[3] ADULT SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (1) To stop the spread of STIs (1) That addresses non-LGBTQ population. (1) That highlights the risks of party and play. _______________________________________________ [2] HIV/ AIDS RESEARCH (GROUPING) ________________________________________________ (1) Stagnation in the fight against HIV (1) Lack of HIV funding See also: Criminalization of people with HIV

_________________________________________________ [3] SUBSTANCE USE (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (1) Recreational Activities for Non-Alcoholic LGBTQ (1) The increased popularity of party and play (1) Smoking among LGBTQ youth _________________________________________________ [2] ISLAMOPHOBIA (GROUPING) _________________________________________________ (1) Islam phobia (Specifically Mentioned) (1) Increasing education about Islamic practices. Better Public Transit (2 Specific Mentions)

THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS REPORT 1. The survey responses were initially analyzed using a qualitative data analysis program and then re-analyzed / verified by the author. The groupings found herein are likely to reflect the conceptual / organizational biases of the author. 2. Most of the respondents were from Toronto (and Ottawa), so responses may be biased towards the experiences of people living in Toronto (major urban centres). 3. All of the respondents provided their input online, which means that: a. they were made aware of the survey from Queer Ontario directly (via one of our online communication channels, or at one of our outreach events), or b. they were made aware of the survey from someone (however many times removed) who is a member of Queer Ontarios online communication channels or who came into inperson contact with Queer Ontario since February 8, 2012. 4. Point 2 also would suggest that the respondents:

________________________________________________ a. Have ready access to a computer b. Know how to use a computer c. Are conversant in English (Since the survey was only available in English) d. Are mobile / out / social enough to go out to LGBTQ events and make contact with Queer Ontario Therefore, the responses are not representative of those who do not fit the advantages / privileges above. 5. 41 Respondents is not a statistically significant number. Nevertheless, the commonalities in peoples responses are quite telling. 6. There is no doubt that the responses were influenced by the going-ons at the time of response. This includes the fight over so-called gay-straight alliances, the fight for trans human rights, the poor economy, and the federal conservative governments xenophobic immigration (and other) policies.

RESPONDENT INFORMATION Total Number of Respondents: 41 (1 Repeat Respondent) Total Number of Issue Boxes Filled out: 212 (Note: Many of them had up to 4 issues each) Average Number of Issue Boxes per Person: 5.047 / 10 MUNICIPALITIES REPRESENTED Toronto Ottawa Ajax Burlington Fort Erie Kingston London Newmarket Simcoe Windsor1 27 (65.85%) (1 Repeat Respondent) 6 (14.63%) 1 (2.43%) 1 1 1 1 1 1