Development and implementation of a 2SLGBTQ+ competent trauma-informed care intervention

Introduction: 2SLGBTQ+ people are more likely than their heterosexual and/or cisgender peers to experience violence and/or trauma in their lifetime. Many 2SLGBTQ+ people may need support related to experiences of violence and/or trauma. Yet, research has shown that a lack of 2SLGBTQ+ competence and capacity from service providers has resulted in barriers for 2SLGBTQ+ people accessing health and social services. This intervention seeks to fill an important gap by integrating the approaches and principles of trauma-informed care and 2SLGBTQ+ competence.Method: The intervention was developed by a team of researchers in consultation with an Indigenous Elder and an advisory committee of service providers. The 2SLGBTQ+ competent trauma-informed care intervention was developed and implemented based on the following principles: centering intersectional perspectives; foregrounding Indigenous perspectives; modeling trauma-informed care; and anti-ableism and accessibility as the rule, rather than exception.Result: The training reached a total of 295 participants, and 116 institutions and services across Ontario, Canada.Conclusion: A 2SLGBTQ+ competent trauma-informed care intervention has the potential to increase capacity for service providers in healthcare, mental health, and social services to avoid re-traumatization and meet the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ people who have experienced violence and/or trauma.