Positive Spaces Initiative

OCASI is pleased to announce the Positive Spaces Initiative which aims to support the immigrant and refugee serving sector to more effectively serve LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning) newcomers.

LGBTQ newcomers are an integral, though often invisible, part of immigrant and refugee communities as well as LGBTQ communities. Experiencing marginalization from both within cultural communities and mainstream LGBTQ communities often leaves individuals feeling that there are few options for obtaining services.  Recognizing that good practices already exist in the sector, this initiative aims to share resources and increase our organizational capacity to better respond to the needs of the community.
Main activities:

• Conduct regional consultations with OCASI members and LGBTQ communities
• Identify training needs both within and outside the sector & provide sector wide training and information sessions
• Promote settlement services to LGBTQ newcomers and identify welcoming spaces
• Enhance anti-oppression strategies within the sector, in collaboration with community partners and OCASI members
• Work with community partners to collect resources, information and tools to be included on settlement.org and etablissement.org

OCASI member agencies and other immigrant service organizations will be kept updated on this initiative as it evolves.  If you are interested in getting involved in this initiative, please let us know. 

Contact Information

Stacia Stewart
Communications & Partnerships Coordinator
Tel: 416-322-4950 x265
sstewart@ocasi.org

Josephine Tcheng
Resource & Strategy Development Coordinator
Tel: 416-322-4950 x266
jtcheng@ocasi.org

Related Documents:

1. Untold Stories – LGBTQ Newcomers
2. Untold Stories – Settlement Workers