Roundtable Discussion on Advancing Collaboration between 2SLGBTQ+ Families and Perinatal Mental Health

Roundtable Discussion on Advancing Collaboration between 2SLGBTQ+ Families and Perinatal Mental Health

When

29 February 2020    
12:00 pm PST - 3:00 pm PST
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Event Type

The Women’s Health Research Cluster is co-hosting a Roundtable discussion with the Pacific Post Partum Support Society. This event will bring together 2SLGBTQ+ parents, researchers, midwives, doulas, mental health service providers, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, raise awareness, and find points of collaboration to address the perinatal mental health needs of 2SLGBTQ+ families. The roundtable will be held:

  • Date: Saturday, February 29, 2020
  • Time: Free lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm, Roundtable: 1:00-3:00pm
  • Location: Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, 2425 Oxford St, Vancouver

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations have higher rates of certain mental health issues. For example, lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults seem to experience more mood and anxiety disorders and depression than heterosexual adults. They’re also at higher risk for suicidal ideation and attempts.” (Zena Sharman)

Despite this, there are significant gaps and structural issues, including heteronormativity and cisgenderism, within current mental health services for 2SLGBTQ+ parents. The focus of this facilitated dialogue is to centre 2SLGBTQ+ voices within the Perinatal Mental Health Community.

We hope to:

  • Bring together 2SLGBTQ+ parents, service providers and researchers to share experience and knowledge
  • Generate ideas through invited speakers (TBC) and community participation
  • Conduct asset mapping of the existing community and medical services and resources
  • Lay some groundwork for building a coalition for improving care for our families

Accessibility: Gender-neutral washroom and childcare on site. Transportation reimbursement – please let us know if we can provide other supports for your participation.

Guiding principles:

  • Personal experience and academic knowledge are valued equally
  • We believe that PPD and PPA are multi-dimensional problems with social factors such as discrimination, isolation, poverty, lack of childcare, and the stressful nature of parenting playing important contributing roles.

If you are interested in participating in the workshop, please confirm your attendance by contacting Emily Garner at emily@postpartum.org.