Cutting through fear

A new website offers the gay and lesbian community a chance to find information and resources without the fear of rejection, says a spokesman for Rainbow Health Ontario.

The Sexuality and Gender Equity working group launched a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender resource directory website Tuesday, in celebration of the International Day against Homophobia.

The website, which is hosted by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, lists resources for the LGBT community. Some of the links on the site include the adult counselling services, upcoming events, local union groups and faith communities.

David Belrose, community outreach leader with Rainbow Health Ontario, said the website will go a long way to help because it offers a safe place for the LGBT community to search for information.

"There’s a real fear of going to a doctor or a psychiatrist or a social service provider because they don’t know how they are going to be received," Belrose said. "By going to this directory, they will be able to say ‘oh this is a safe place to go’. It will be much easier to get access to competent and caring services. I think it also gives providers a chance to say that they are open and welcoming."

Belrose said that fear of rejections comes from a long history of intolerance toward homosexuals. Only in the last 30 years, has there been real change of attitude towards that segment of the community, he said.

Despite progress, bullying and harassment is still a real threat, he said.

"It is not an unjustified fear," he said. "Bullying and harassment is still happening in many places, especially in schools although, the school boards have been making a lot of progress. Despite all the advances that have been made, there are still concerns people have about coming out and being open."

Ellen Chambers, a member of Sexuality and Gender Equity working group, said the resources provided on the website would also help teachers who are trying to assist students. Chambers said a classroom is a reflection of society so it’s important that teachers have the resources to assist students no matter what the issue may be.

"Something like this has never existed before," Chambers said. "I know when I was looking, years ago, for assistance I had to go far to ensure that I only had Canadian sources. To have local resources and places to go and names and people to talk to about things is incredibly important."