The Canadian government began a nationwide survey of its lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens last Thursday. Results of the survey will be used to develop and restructure Canadian public policies.
The study, estimated to cost nearly $400,000 in all, will be based on 30,000 English and 10,000 French language surveys. The surveys were designed to assess lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens’ demographics, levels of acceptance of themselves and others, and their ability to obtain housing, education, employment, and government services. The survey also analyzes their experiences with violence, suicide, domestic abuse and “gay-bashing” and asks participants to describe their partnerships and parenting roles.
Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere (EGALE) will oversee the collection of data and encourage Canada’s gay, lesbian and bisexual citizens to participate.
Canadian citizens call call 1-888-204-7777, e-mail survey@egale.ca visit EGALE’s website, or write to 306-177 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON, K2P 0B4 to obtain a survey form.
