Something I’m incredibly proud of is that, over the past few years, Environics Research has taken on more work that focuses specifically on low-incidence and equity-deserving populations, including 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This work is deeply meaningful to me, not only as a researcher, but as someone who is part of these communities. It’s a privilege to help bring forward voices that are so often overlooked, misrepresented, or excluded from mainstream research.
Approaching this work with respect, intention, and a deep grounding in lived experience is essential. It’s not just about methodology or data collection – it’s about building trust. When we show up with care, humility, and a genuine commitment to listening, we build something far more powerful than a dataset: we build relationships. And through those relationships, we uncover the kinds of insights that have the potential to drive real, lasting change.
Centre the Complexity, Not the Category
Too often, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals are treated as a monolith in research, or worse, an afterthought. But the reality is that this community is diverse, vibrant, and complex. It includes a wide range of identities and experiences that span geography, generation, culture, gender, and sexuality.
We designed our work this year to reflect that richness. From studies on crisis support awareness to HIV prevention, mental health, and access to care, we engaged thousands of individuals through projects in partnership with organizations actively supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Our goal was never just to collect data. It was to co-create insight, listen with purpose, and build trust through care, thoughtfulness, and curiosity.
What We Heard
Across our work, several consistent and powerful themes emerged:
1. Healthcare Access Is Not Equal
Many 2SLGBTQ+ individuals told us they are especially concerned about mental health, safety in healthcare settings, and sexual health. Yet, these are often the very areas where access is the most challenging. We heard things like:
I always fear being honest with healthcare workers for fear of dismissal or rejection… I feel like it makes me get taken less seriously
These aren’t isolated stories. They reflect systemic barriers. Many participants shared experiences of being denied care, not seeing themselves in health messaging, or encountering discrimination when seeking help.
2. Mental Health Challenges Are Deep and Contextual
Rates of moderate to severe depression are notably higher among 2SLGBTQ+ respondents. Our findings highlighted a consistent thread of emotional distress – often linked to past trauma, economic instability, and experiences of exclusion.
And yet, through it all, many participants spoke of resilience. They described informal networks of care, peer support, and advocacy; often stepping up for others even when they themselves didn’t feel fully supported.
3. Stigma Continues to Shape Healthcare Experiences
Many respondents reported having to explain or hide aspects of their identity in healthcare settings in order to feel safe. These moments – whether subtle or overt – contribute to a wider sense of mistrust and avoidance.
Experiencing discrimination due to my being nonbinary has at times made me untrustworthy of healthcare providers.
How We Approach This Work at Environics
We don’t see this kind of research as a one-off project. It’s part of a broader, ongoing commitment to equity-driven, human-centred inquiry.
At Environics, we:
- Co-create with communities, rather than extract from them.
- Challenge our clients to move from performative inclusion to meaningful action.
- Design with nuance, especially when it comes to people at the margins.
- Build long-term trust by showing up consistently and listening with humility.
- Measure impact not only through numbers, but also through stories, dignity, and lived change.
We believe research should reflect real lives. And when we centre the voices that are too often excluded, the insights we generate are not only more inclusive they’re more powerful.
Looking Ahead
Listening with purpose requires acting with intention. That means continuing to invest in better methods, more inclusive practices, and deeper relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
There’s still more work to be done. But we’re proud of what we’ve learned this year and even more grateful for the people who trusted us to listen.
