Student Research Grants
An innovative component of the ISTN program is that Dr. Shelley Craig and the PLC run a ISTN Student Research Grant Competition. In the first cohort, we peer-reviewed submissions and awarded three student grants of $3,000 each to conduct a student-led research project under the supervision of an INQYR co-applicant, that aligns with our Partnership objectives. We’re happy to highlight the work of the granted 2019-2020 cohort below. These research projects are underway, although like many of us, the student researchers are experiencing delays due to local pandemic lockdown measures.
2020-2022 Cohort
A Grounded Theory Exploration of the Lived Experiences of East Asian Bisexual Youth in Canada
Researcher: Jenny Hui
Canada’s sexual minority and ethnic minority populations are both growing at unprecedented rates. Within these populations, East Asian bisexual youth exist at an intersection of invisibility in research literature, as no extant studies have focused on the unmet—and unique—psychosocial needs of this group. The present study will be the first to explore the lived experiences of East Asian bisexual youth, and particularly in a Canadian context. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted online with 10–12 individuals who identify as East Asian and bisexual, are between the ages of 18–29, and reside in Canada. The data will be qualitatively analyzed using constructivist grounded theory to identify themes in participants’ lived experiences. Findings from this study will be used to construct a theoretical framework that captures the experiences of East Asian bisexual youth in Canada, especially regarding sources of stress, coping and resilience, and unique benefits related to their intersecting ethnic and sexual identities. The theoretical model that results from this study will highlight psychosocial needs and stressors—as well as strategies for coping and resilience—that are unique to East Asian bisexual youth. This will inform culturally competent mental health interventions, future policy, and further research with this population.
2019-2020 Cohort
Exploring identity and expression development of sexual and gender minority youth from immigrant families in the Greater Toronto Area
Researcher: Egag Egag
Preliminary findings from QueerVIEW highlighted similarities and differences between participants who were newcomers and those whose parents migrated to Canada that prompted further exploration of how immigration of queer youth and/or their parents shapes their lived experiences. This study will build off of QueerVIEW, to explore how immigration-generation status intersects with SGMY’s other intersecting identities in navigating family stressors. Specifically, this study is concerned with how SGMY in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have negotiated their identity and expression in and out of the family home, what they have identified as supports within their immediate environments, and exploring how they use information communication technology (ICT) to access resources that are otherwise unavailable to them.
Gender dysphoria, identity development and resilience among young Hijra individuals: Photo Elicitation Interviewing Approach
Researcher: Ankur Srivastava
The purpose of this research is to conduct photo-elicitation interview with 20 young hijra individuals (aged 18-24 years) in Mumbai, India. The primary aims of this study are to explore the potential impact of ICTs on participants’: (a) experiences of gender dysphoria and identity development; (b) strategies and processes of coping and resilience; and (c) intersections between online and offline identities and social environments. Currently the team is working with Indian counterparts on the letter of support and memorandum of understanding; and reviewing the study-protocols. Additionally, the project team has identified Mumbai-based recruiter/ interviewer and services for translation/ transcription to aid the in-person interviews.
Adapting AFFIRM for young gay men in Mexico
Researcher: Julio César Trejo Hernández
In Mexico, it has been reported that some health problems experienced by LGBT people are the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and drugs, as well as that suicidal ideation and attempt, are related to experiences of prejudice, discrimination and violence that they faced or continue to cope. The most frequent sources of discrimination for young gay Mexican men were family, friends, and public spaces. These experiences generated affectations at cognitive, affective and/or behavioral levels. Given this scenario, it is important that interventions are developed that integrate affirmative practices that adapt to the needs of young people from sexual minorities and that address the mental health problems faced by these populations. The objective of this project is to apply Dr. Craig’s cognitive behavioral intervention “AFFIRM” in a Mexican context to provide elements for gay youth to improve their mental health. The intervention will be carried out in a group of young gay men from Mérida Yucatán (south of the country) who have experienced discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation.