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The Gatehouse: Effectiveness of peer support for 2SLGBTQIA+ survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Tishana Lynch, Lily Shulman, Shannon Squire, Tracy Tozer

Abstract

Prior research has shown that people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community experience childhood sexual abuse (CSA) at a higher risk than heterosexual identifying people. Due to heteronormative societal views, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is often expected to fit into the ‘norm’ rather than have their own unique needs met. This report provides insight into the experiences of past and present 2SLGBTQIA+-identifying participants from the Phase 1 15-week peer support program at The Gatehouse in the past 3 years. The research team set out to answer 4 research questions around how the participants were impacted, if there were barriers and needs not considered, what worked well, and what didn’t during their participation in the peer support group. A 12 question survey consisting of qualitative and quantitative questions provided the opportunity for 18 participants to share their experiences in their own words, increasing empirical evidence that addresses a current gap in literature for support-seeking participants whose identities are outside of the gender binary.

The research concluded that The Gatehouse provides excellent support to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. At the same time, there is a need for more visibility and inclusion of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as for mindfulness around heteronormative policies and microaggressions that affect this community externally and internally. Showing a need for embracing an intersectionality framework when working with this population, further empirical research is needed to expand the findings of this report and increase knowledge and awareness for support providers to reduce unintentional harm.

Keywords: Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), Peer Support, Heterogenous Community, Intersectionality, Heteronormativity, Microaggression, Minority Stress Theory.

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Poster showing research project titled: The Gatehouse: Effectiveness of peer support for 2SLGBTQIA+ survivors of childhood sexual abuse  Click to enlarge

Project poster.

Introduction

The Gatehouse, a social service organization located on Humber Polytechnic campus, has been providing support, community, and resources to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) since 1998. A team of four senior students in the Community Development program at Humber Polytechnic partnered with The Gatehouse to evaluate their Phase 1 peer support group offered to adult survivors of CSA who identify as a part of the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Plus community (2SLGBTQIA+). Going forward, this population will be referred to using the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+.

The purpose of this research was to answer the following questions; How were 2SLGBTQIA+ participants impacted by attending the peer support program? Were there any barriers to accessing the peer support program as a 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying person? Were their needs not considered in peer support sessions that should be included or addressed? What worked well and what could be improved to better support 2SLGBTQIA+ CSA survivors? This research will provide The Gatehouse with crucial insights into enhancing the experience and healing for 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying survivors who are seeking support for CSA at The Gatehouse, applying the Myers “Minority Stress Theory” as a framework for working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ participants of their programs. Minority Stress Theory is an explanatory theory aimed at understanding the social, psychological, and structural factors accounting for mental health inequalities facing sexual minority populations (Frost & Meyer, 2023).

Research Methods

  • Sampling Approach: Cluster & snowball sampling
  • Data Collection: Online anonymous surveys using Google Forms , N=18 participants
  • Surveys: Collected a mix of qualitative and quantitative data on individual demographics, lived experiences seeking support through the intake process, barriers to group participation, and aftercare resources provided
    • The inclusion criteria were individuals who: a) were past or present participants of the Phase 1 15-week peer support program “Out of the Darkness and Into the Light” in the last three years; b) Self-identified as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; and c) were over the age of 18 years
    • Research adhered to Humber Ethics Board and TCPS 2 (2022) ethical considerations. Paper copies and survey-assistance were offered to increase accessibility
  • Analysis: Thematic analysis and open coding were used to analyze potential trends between demographic characteristics and participants’ experiences, possible correlation between program delivery model and participant outcomes

Results

  • 50% of the respondents shared that having the option to participate in a dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ group did not feel essential to their healing. Emphasizing the importance of offering diverse and flexible supports to include individual needs and experiences.
  • 78% of respondents identified needs specific to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, that if acknowledged and supported may have contributed to their healing from CSA.
  • Respondents highlighted the importance of enhancing visibility and inclusivity of both sexual orientations and gender identities. Also fostering awareness and understanding of intersectionality and expanding training efforts to mitigate the risks associated with heteronormative spaces that may impact participates healing.
  • The data did not indicate a clear correlation between program model and participates outcomes, suggesting the need for a deeper analysis and consideration of individual experiences
  • 57.9% did not receive aftercare support, highlighting potential gaps in continued care.

Discussions and Conclusions

  • Importance Of Intersectionality: Intersectionality is not currently a predominant focus of The Gatehouse Phase 1 peer support group. Responses raised the need for greater awareness of how social identities connect participants' subjective elements, including race, gender identity, and sexual orientation to deepen self-awareness and healing for survivors of CSA.4
  • Unique Needs of a Heterogeneous Community: This research demonstrated varying opinions by 2SLGBTQIA+ participants, which may make it more challenging to design a peer support program that effectively meets everyone’s unique needs. With this in mind there is no one-size-fits-all program model in a heterogeneous community. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is referred to as ‘hardly reached’ in literature to highlight institutional shortcomings rather than individual resistance. The current peer support program addresses the needs of individuals as CSA survivors but not as 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.3
  • Visibility & Inclusivity: While 2SLGBTQIA+ participants are included in existing programming at the Gatehouse, the existing program model is not addressing participants’ desires to be seen and represented within program topics and materials. Participants shared hesitance in being authentic in group spaces, which may indicate a potential fear of being judged or not seeing themselves reflected. Literature shows that healing is enhanced for the 2SLGBTQIA+ population when participants can be open about their sexual orientation and gender identity. 3,4
  • Heteronormativity and Microaggressions: Minority Stress Theory highlights that the lasting effects of sexual violence were found to be greater among 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals with multiple marginalized identities, which can lead to worse outcomes for participants in peer support group programs. Research has shown that having peer support programs led by facilitators who also identify as a part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer community results in staff being more responsive to the specific issues faced by members of the community, such as microaggressions that often go unnoticed by the majority in heteronormative programming.3,5

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to all of the research participants who took the time to complete the survey, Maria Barcelos (ED) and The Gatehouse team, Erin Lockhart (Student advisor), Linda Hill and Christine McKenzie (Thesis professors) and Stefan Horodeckyj (Whose past research assisted this project).