The process of adapting to the host country can be a stressful process, requiring psychological and socio-cultural adaptations. When individuals enter a new community, they face many challenges in terms of adjusting to a new language, different customs and unfamiliar norms. These challenges may result in mental and/or general health problems (George, 2015). LGBTQ Farsi speakers may face additional obstacles due to a combination of racist and heterosexist/transphobic discrimination and violence (Ahmady, 2018).  LGBTQ Farsi speakers may also need to unlearn the heterosexism and transphobic they learned in their home country in order to develop a more positive sense of self. Typically, as people from intersectionally oppressed identities, these individuals may face difficulties regarding housing, employment, language, finances, and navigation of the refugee claim process. In the absence of a safe environment and often facing social isolation, many LGBTQ asylum seekers are unable to process trauma and mental health issues both in the country of origin and in Canada (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, 2015). The goal of this study is to better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ Farsi speaking immigrants, in order to promote antiracist and LGBTQ+ affirmative services. We hypothesize that the above-defined social and individual factors will be associated with the mental and physical well-being of LGBTQ Farsi speaking immigrants.

We will conduct anonymous surveys and semi-structured interviews about their sexual orientation and gender identity, cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices, education and ways of learning, relationships and their impact, and their experiences as a LGBTQ+ immigrant in Canada. 

Resources 

Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Resources

HQ Toronto
Walk-in STBBI testing and PrEP & PEP services. No health card required, only government ID. STI testing available in Farsi and Dari. 
Address: 790 Bay Street, Toronto, ON
Phone Number: 416-521-4445
Hours: Monday-Friday 12-8pm 

The PrEP Clinic
Full-service walk-in and by appointment hours. Services include on site lab testing, in-person assessments, STI treatment, sexual health vaccines, PrEP services (low/no-cost options available), free wellness programs, HIV care, and an in-house pharmacy. In-person and online services available. No referral needed. 
Toronto Address: 180 Bloor St. W Suite #803, Toronto, ON
Toronto Clinic Walk-in Hours: 5pm-8:30pm
Brampton Address: 7700 Hurontario Street, Brampton, ON
Phone Number: 416-420-1250
Website: https://www.prepclinic.ca/
Email: infor@prepclinic.ca

Freddie
Support for accessing HIV PrEP. Offers online assessment and home delivery of medication
Phone Number: 437-747-7584
Website: https://www.gofreddie.com/

South Riverdale Community Health Centre
Harm reduction services, counselling, anonymous HIV testing, and other health promotion/community programs for the South Riverdale community. Services available by appointment only. Interpreters for Farsi and Dari available. 
Address: 955 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON
Website: http://srchc.ca/

Crisis and Emergency Services

Toronto Distress Centre
For suicide and mental health crisis response and intervention. Free and available 24/7.
Phone Number: 416-408-HELP (4357)

Gerstein Crisis Centre 
For suicide and mental health crisis response and intervention. Services provided in Farsi, Dari and Pashto.
Phone Number: 416-929-5200

Trans LifeLine
Crisis line for trans and gender-questioning people, staffed by trans identified volunteers. Free and available 24/7.
Phone Number: 1-877-330-6366

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre
Comprehensive service that provides support, including access to PEP to people who are victims/survivors of sexual assault or domestic/intimate partner violence. Mobility of the SA/DVCC Team may be limited. Free and 24/7.
Address: 76 Grenville Street, in the ACCU (Ground Floor of Women’s College Hospital) 
Phone Number: 416-323-6040 (to speak directly with a nurse who can assist you with your care)
Website: http://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/programs-and-services/sexual-assault-domestic-violence-care-centre

Free, Publicly Funded Psychotherapy Programs 
https://www.ontariohealth.ca/getting-health-care/mental-health-addictions/depression-anxiety-ontario-structured-psychotherapy

Mental Health and Community Resource Lists
https://hqtoronto.ca/mh-resources/
https://www.hasslefreeclinic.org/useful-links
https://stridestoronto.ca/community-resources/
https://www.the519.org/programs/