Learning Activities: Challenges and 2SLGBTQ+ Data Gaps
QUESTION 1
Statistics Canada reports that 10.5% of Canadians aged 15–24 identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, compared with 1.3% of those 65+.
-
What might explain these generational differences?
-
How could social workers use this information when designing services for different age groups?
QUESTION 2
A national survey reports only 0.14% of Canadians identify as non-binary.
-
What methodological or social factors might contribute to this statistic being underestimated? (Select all that apply)
a) Small sample sizes of non-binary respondents
b) Nonresponse or reluctance to disclose
c) Inclusive and detailed survey questions
d) Distrust of institutions among marginalized populations
Correct Answers: a, b, d
QUESTION 3
A survey combines bisexual respondents with gay/lesbian respondents into one category.
-
What risks does this pose for research and for social work practice?
-
Provide one example of how bisexual-specific disparities could be overlooked.
QUESTION 4
Intersectionality often disappears in national survey reporting because of disclosure risk and small subgroup sizes.
-
Which of the following examples show the importance of intersectional analysis? (Select all that apply)
a) Housing insecurity among racialized 2SLGBTQ+ youth
b) Health access for transgender people in rural areas
c) General prevalence of LGBTQ+ identity in Canada
d) Experiences of queer newcomers with disability
Correct Answers: a, b, d
QUESTION 5
What strategies could social workers and researchers use to address these challenges and fill the data gaps (e.g., pooling data, oversampling, mixed-methods, community-based research)? Which strategies do you think are most ethically important, and why?
