HIV and STBBIs Testing in Indigenous and Two-Spirit Communities in BC

Initiative Summary

We will continue our work with Indigenous and Two-Spirit community members in BC to co-create culturally appropriate STBBIs testing options. We will engage directly with community members and local healthcare providers to integrate community member’s preferred testing options and linkage to care into existing services. We will work alongside Indigenous and Two-Spirit artists to develop promotional materials for a pilot testing project.

Initiative Objectives and Goals

To examine the acceptability and feasibility of new testing options in Indigenous communities outside of the metro-Vancouver area.

The Role of this Initiative to End the HIV Epidemic

Anti-Indigenous racism and colonialism are barriers to ending the HIV epidemic. In addition, many Indigenous communities do not have access to culturally appropriate HIV and STBBIs testing.

Meaningful Engagement with People with Lived Experience

Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) promotes the health of gay men through research and intervention development. We are inclusive of bisexual and queer men (cis and trans) and Two Spirit people. CBRC's core pillars—community-led research, knowledge exchange, network building, and leadership development—position the organization as a thought leader, transforming ideas into actions that make a difference in our communities. We have started by consulting community leaders in Indigenous communities and we will co-create an intervention with Indigenous communities based on the consultations.