News

Provincial government grant helps connect and support 2SLGBTQIA+ adults with cognitive disabilities

Kinsight has received a $40,000 grant from the provincial government to bolster Real Talk’s “Building 2SLGBTQIA+ Community” initiative, which is designed to connect adults with developmental disabilities to the wider 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Real Talk, a partnership between Kinsight, PosAbilities, BACI and InWithForward, was established in 2015. The online platform recognizes and celebrates sexuality of adults with cognitive disabilities. Supported by Certified Sexual Health Educators with extensive experience in the community living sector, Real Talk features sexual health information and education ranging from dating and sexual identity to consent and rights.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction grant will allow Real Talk to increase access and engagement with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and help to reduce the social isolation and stigma often felt by 2SLGBTQIA+ people living with a disability.

“Real Talk has been a successful platform for people with disabilities to talk openly about their sexual health,” explains Gareth Williams, Kinsight’s Director of Service Delivery & Development. “But, we realized there was a gap.”

“This grant will help us create a space for people, by people from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. A welcoming place where people can develop systems of mutual support, promote advocacy, combat stigma and enhance visibility and engagement of people with cognitive disabilities,” Williams adds.

Additionally, the funding will support:

  • physical access to the greater Vancouver 2SLGBTQIA+ community through reducing financial barriers to events, including admission fees, transportation, and physical barriers
  • staffing costs – contracts and honorariums

Read more about the Real Talk grant in the recent Tri-City News article [here] or visit Real-Talk.org [here]