2SLGBTQ+ people face barriers when accessing food services in N.S.: study
Feed Nova Scotia working on policy changes based on study findings
While the boom in inflation has made housing and food insecurity a reality for many Nova Scotians, a recent study shows that 2SLGBTQ+ people face higher rates of food insecurity and greater barriers accessing support services.
The study by a research team at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax surveyed 11 people in 2024 who self-identified as 2SLGBTQ+. Of those, 10 were identified as being moderately to severely food insecure over the previous 12 months — all having reduced food quantity and quality, often skipping meals due to the inability to buy food.
Principal researcher Phillip Joy said the team found that the study participants were hesitant to access food programs because they were wary of religious institutions, concerned about data collection practices or a perceived lack of understanding among staff and volunteers regarding 2SLGBTQ+ issues.
"There are very few resources in Nova Scotia, particularly for LGBT folks, relating to food insecurity," he said.
The study found that several participants described hiding their gender or sexuality presentation while accessing support services in order to avoid possible discrimination from food bank workers or volunteers.
Yvren Mestres-Wyenberg, a Halifax resident who identifies as a transgender person, said those findings struck a chord.
They said they also tend to avoid food banks that are located in religious institutions for fear they won't be welcomed.
"I just don't feel comfortable or safe going in there. As much as I know that there are going to be friendly people within those institutions, as there are everywhere, I'm not willing to risk the amount of unfriendliness I might face," they said.
The 20-year-old said they have also experienced feeling "uncomfortable" at meal programs because they "stand out" as visibly queer.
Mount Saint Vincent professor Megan White, a research assistant on the study, said a number of risk factors that are unique to the 2SLGBTQ+ community combine to increase the likelihood of experiencing things like food insecurity.
"Often there are concerns around folks having been kicked out of their homes and discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, that happened in workplaces," said White.
Mestres-Wyenberg agreed, saying they have never been formally employed as an openly trans person.
"The only time I've ever been hired for any formal employment has been before I came out, and since I refuse to go back in the closet, that makes accessing food difficult since it costs money," they said.
"Also, being that I'm estranged from my family, I can't just show up to my parents' door and be like, 'Hey, I'm hungry, you got food?'"
Data collection an added concern
White said some participants recalled being asked to share information at food support services for data collection purposes but it was not properly explained how their data might be used.
She said that raised concerns that sharing their legal names, gender or sex might be a way of being "outed."
"Some of our participants mentioned to us feeling really uncomfortable because they weren't sure about the purpose of collecting this data," said White. "And there was some suspicion that it was just out of personal interest of the volunteer.
"Like, 'you just want the gossip.'"
Policy changes under discussion
Sue Kelleher, director of innovation and learning at Feed Nova Scotia, said the registered charity is now working with a group of community members to improve accessibility and inclusivity of their services.
"The group met four to six times between October and December. And in parallel to that we also had service providers who work in the community and also some folks who are service providers also hold queer/trans identities who are working in parallel," said Kelleher, a co-principal investigator on the study.
She said they are collaborating to launch and test a queer-focused food access program in Halifax this summer, guided by the study findings.
Mestres-Wyenberg said they hope changes are coming that will help people who are struggling to access the services they need.
"I'm not looking for this for any other reason than anyone else is. I'm just looking for food because I'm hungry," they said.
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