The RISE Centre for Queer and Trans Health Research has been at the forefront of innovative research dedicated to bettering health outcomes for 2S/LGBTQ+ people. Research and initiatives from emerging from the RISE Centre have had wide-ranging impacts for policy, health services, legislation, culture, and community education. See below for a list of our projects and initiatives.

Learning from Mpox

Mpox was declared a global health emergency in 2022, affecting many Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, trans and queer men. This project asks: what can we learn from the mpox outbreak? Can we be better prepared for future emergencies and outbreaks?

As an interdisciplinary team, the primary goals of this research are threefold:

  1. Understanding Mpox Experiences: We aim to delve into the experiences and perspectives of diverse GBQM across Canada. This includes exploring aspects such as: disease progression, vaccine confidence, health-seeking behaviours, and the broader impact of Mpox on the social and sexual lives of GBQM.
  2. Exploring Health System Perspectives: Our research encompasses the investigation of the challenges faced by health system stakeholders in responding to, controlling, and mitigating the impact of Mpox. This perspective is crucial for developing effective strategies to address this public health emergency.
  3. Integrated Knowledge Translation: We are committed to implementing a comprehensive knowledge translation strategy that actively involves community and public health partners. Our goal is to develop and mobilize intersectional and stigma-informed approaches to pandemic preparedness specifically tailored to GBQM communities.

If you would like to learn more, visit the Learning from Mpox webpage 

2S/LGBTQ+ Health Hub

The 2S/LGBTQ+ Health Hub is a collaboration between over 50 community leaders, scholars, researchers, and healthcare providers from across Canada, offering training, mentorship, networking, and capacity-building opportunities to emerging leaders in 2S/LGBTQ+ health and research.

The objectives of the Health Hub include:

  1. Build an integrated, cross-sectoral training hub focused on capacity-building and community-based interventions benefiting the health of 2SLGBTQ+ people.
  2. Foster an interdisciplinary training network, with engaged partners and mentors from across Canada, supporting a new generation of investigators/practitioners in academia, government, healthcare, and community.
  3. Develop an innovative and sustainable education and training program, including both in-person and online elements.
  4. Champion Indigenous self-determination, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and accessibility in research and training contexts, supporting and amplifying the work of Indigenous, Black, and other people of colour.
To learn more, visit the Health Hub website

Inlight Mental Health

In 2023, this research team embarked on a research project designed to address gaps in knowledge regarding the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer students with mental health care services at the University of Toronto.

The main objectives of this work are to:

  1. Address gaps in data regarding the needs and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer students experiencing mental health challenges at the University.
  2. To work with students to co-create accessible mental health resources for diverse 2SLGBTQ+ students as well as recommendations to increase and improve existing services.