The LGBTQI2S Dignity Project Website and Film Vignettes
These were first conceptualized in February of 2018 at the “design jam”-style event focusing on LGBTQI2S health and wellness, and organized by a robust, cross-sectoral partnership between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)’s Institute of Gender and Health, EGALE Canada, Hacking Health, Rainbow Health Ontario, Cossette Health and the Michael Smith Foundation.
Filmmaking I learned can be a long drawn out process, with many starts and stops along the way. After failed attempts with two production companies, I decided to take a community-based approached and this began by asking members of LGBTQI2S organizations around BC for script suggestions. We chose to develop “Never Married”, “It Still Hurts” and “Special Occasion” and I am pleased at what my team, entirely based on Salt Spring Island BC (this includes screenplay writing, directing, producing, props, filming/post-production, and the work of the actors), has produced. In addition to the films, much of the website is designed around a workbook titled “Inclusive and Affirming Care for LGBTQ2+ Seniors” which was prepared by Nicole Tremblay who delivers LGBTQ2+ sensitivity training in the Island Health region of BC.
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This project was featured in The Best of Salt Spring Island's August 2020 issue.
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Biography
I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health and Social Policy, Faculty of Human and Social Development at the University of Victoria. I am a member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and a settler in Western Canada. Since I was a teenager, I have always been fascinated with older adults, in particular, how one 75-year old may be experiencing declining health whereas another 75-year old is absolutely thriving.
In my 10+ years as an aging researcher, my focus has shifted across three domains. Initially, I studied kinesiology and gerontology and tended to focus on the more physiological components of aging. About 10 years ago my focus shifted toward research concerned with technology and aging and I spent several years working on projects concerned with ambient assisted living (technologies developed to help older adults remain at home and "age in place"). Since 2015, I have been involved in Advance Care Planning (ACP) and end-of-life research.
In my recent projects I examined 2SLGBTQ+ engagement with hospice and palliative care in the Island Health region; and was involved in a Covid-19 study exploring how different sub-populations (Chinese, South Asian, and 2SLGBTQ+) are experiencing the pandemic in comparison to their non-minority peers.
I hope you find the resources on this website informative.
Robert Beringer
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Robert Beringer DSocSci (he/him)
Assistant Professor - School of Public Health and Social Policy, Faculty of Human and Social Development, University of Victoria
Research Fellow - Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health
P.O. Box 1700, STN CSC
Victoria BC V8W2Y2
Email: robertberinger@uvic.ca
I respectfully acknowledge the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEC peoples' territory.
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