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Description
The QueerCare project aims to promote services that are more inclusive, culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of LGBTQIA+ people who use drugs. This is a little researched area, lacking intervention in Portugal. It is intended to train professionals who work in the area of drugs (educating them on diversity and gender-sensitive approaches) and in the area of gender (educating them about the specific needs of people who use drugs). It is intended to create a collaborative network based on the Queer-friendly community with organisations working in the areas of drugs, gender diversity and violence prevention, mental health, sexual health, representatives of queer collectives, etc. The work will culminate in a meeting with government organisations responsible for the area of gender and drugs in Portugal to present a policy paper.
Summary of project results
Through a collaborative approach, this project aimed to develop responsive perspectives on gender and sexual diversity and cultural competencies in health and social services that intervene with LGBTQIA+ people who use drugs. Key objectives were to enhance the understanding of professionals, activists, and legislators regarding the drug use practices and patterns of LGBTQIA+ individuals, and to improve awareness among these groups about the main barriers to healthcare access for LGBTQIA+ individuals who use drugs.
The project activities were organized into four components:
Component 1 began with a literature review, methodology design, and the creation of research instruments (interview guides and an online questionnaire template). Ten interviews were conducted with LGBTQIA+ individuals who frequent drug use contexts. The questionnaire was validated by five experts and ten target group representatives, then disseminated via social media, flyers, posters, and mailing lists. By June, 602 complete responses were collected, with a total of 1,138 respondents. In July, a discussion group with five LGBTQIA+ individuals was held to delve deeper into the questionnaire data, resulting in a research report.
Component 2 included the "Trauma and Gender-informed Approaches" training in May, led by Rótin Iceland, with 17 professionals participating. Two editions of the "Intervention Strategies with LGBTQIA+ Drug Users" course were also organized, each lasting 21 hours and conducted online, with 36 participants in the first edition and 42 in the second. Additionally, a 3.5-hour seminar was held for the Master''s in Psychology at the Catholic University of Portugal. These training activities were complemented by the development of a Toolkit.
Component 3 started with an Idea Lab focused on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ drug users, involving representatives from various organizations in Porto. Eleven participants from six organizations attended. The second lab in November, with 12 participants from eight organizations, initiated a collaborative process that led to the creation of a referral network included in the Toolkit. The second lab focused on the experiences of trans women who use drugs, with 12 participants from seven organizations in Porto and Lisbon. This lab aimed to complement research results and promote mutual learning and networking among professionals working closely with trans women. Kosmicare incorporated specific approaches from the project into their interventions at Primavera Sound, Boom Festival, and Lisbon Pride 2023 to better support LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Component 4 involved preparing a draft policy brief, which was presented and finalized after a policy dialogue meeting at the final seminar. The meeting included representatives from ICAD (Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies), CIG (Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality), and the State Secretariat for Health. The project also organized a seminar with 46 participants and a webinar viewed by 403 people.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 33 youths mobilised by NGOs to engage in human rights work;
- 142 professional staff trained;
- 21 NGOs engaged in advocacy work on human rights;
- 3 national policies and laws influenced;
- 82% share of target group showing concern for human rights.
In terms of capacity building, the promoter carried out a needs assessment and prepared an action plan. This led to the development of an institutional communication and strategic organizational plans.
Summary of bilateral results
Rótin, an Icelandic organization specializing in trauma-informed approaches for vulnerable populations, provided specialized training in trauma-informed and gender-responsive methodologies. Through this collaboration, Rótin tailored their approaches to LGBTQIA+ people who use drugs. The partnership was valuable in strengthening relationships and sharing best practices.