Exploring the experiences of providers working with LGBTQ+ immigrant communities in Maine
Document Type
Event
Faculty Mentor
Caroline Shanti
Abstract
This pilot project aims to better understand the experiences of medical and social service providers working with LGBT+ immigrants in Southern Maine, and how prepared (or unprepared) these providers are to respond to the needs of these communities. A common barrier faced by both LGBTQ+ community members and immigrants is the lack of competent providers. While there is some established literature that explores the needs of these communities individually, there is currently little research on the unique barriers faced by LGBT+ immigrants, and even less on the preparedness of their providers. Despite the significant influx of immigrants to Maine over the past few decades, little is presently known about the numbers of LGBTQ+ immigrants in Maine or the barriers providers face in delivering competent services to these populations. Using data gathered from interviews with a diverse set of Maine providers, this phenomenological research project aims to serve as a first step in better understanding these dynamics during a volatile and uncertain time for LGBTQ+ community members and immigrants in the United States.
Exploring the experiences of providers working with LGBTQ+ immigrant communities in Maine
This pilot project aims to better understand the experiences of medical and social service providers working with LGBT+ immigrants in Southern Maine, and how prepared (or unprepared) these providers are to respond to the needs of these communities. A common barrier faced by both LGBTQ+ community members and immigrants is the lack of competent providers. While there is some established literature that explores the needs of these communities individually, there is currently little research on the unique barriers faced by LGBT+ immigrants, and even less on the preparedness of their providers. Despite the significant influx of immigrants to Maine over the past few decades, little is presently known about the numbers of LGBTQ+ immigrants in Maine or the barriers providers face in delivering competent services to these populations. Using data gathered from interviews with a diverse set of Maine providers, this phenomenological research project aims to serve as a first step in better understanding these dynamics during a volatile and uncertain time for LGBTQ+ community members and immigrants in the United States.
