Understanding how Unpaid Caregiving and Sexual and Gender Minority Identities Intersect
This mixed-methods project examines the experiences of unpaid caregiving among LGBTQ+ populations, with a particular focus on young caregivers and the unique strengths and challenges they face.
Principal investigator
Deborah Ummel
Co-investigators
Alexa Martin-Storey
Funding source
FRQSC
Objectives & Methods
Objectives
The objective of this project is to understand how sexual and gender minority identities intersect with unpaid caregiving, with a focus on the distinct caregiving experiences, roles, strengths, and challenges of LGBTQ+ caregivers.
Methods and Sample
This project draws on multiple data sources, including data collected by our community partner, Fondation Émergence, as well as quantitative and qualitative data collected by Deborah Ummel, focusing specifically on young caregivers.
Key findings
LGBTQ+ populations experience both similarities and differences in terms of their experiences of unpaid caregiving. We have focused on linking LGBTQ+ identities to differences in caregiving roles, have identified how LGBTQ+ identities are associated with unique profiles of caregiving among young people, and are currently exploring the unique strengths and difficulties experienced by young LGBTQ+ caregivers.
Associated outputs and publications
Martin-Storey, A., Gendron-Fontaine, S., Daigneault, M.-M., Zaine, Y.-L. N., Cotton, J.-C. & Ummel, D. (2023). La proche aidance dans les populations 2SLGBTQ+ : état des lieux. Available at : https://www.fondationemergence.org/_files/ugd/cdd9d7_7bd37a601a5248fc9a5e6b62efde1531.pdf
Martin-Storey, A., Cotton, J-C., Ummel, D. (under review) Understanding differences in unpaid caregiving across sexual and gender identity: A multifaceted approach.