Study seeks LGBTI Blue Mountains residents impacted by bushfires
A STUDY of how LGBTI residents in NSW’s聽Blue Mountains region have been impacted by bushfires is now being undertaken by the University of Western Sydney and the University of Sydney.
The investigation came about after research showed聽that marginalisation and discrimination may leave LGBTI people聽particularly vulnerable during the impact and recovery phases of a natural disaster.
鈥淒isasters, including bushfires, threaten the safe space of the home聽and can make people vulnerable to discrimination,” University of Sydney Associate Professor Dale Dominey-Howes said.
“Being part of a marginalised group may also make access to support services problematic. These experiences are often invisible in emergency management policy and practice. We are hoping to change that with this project.鈥�
A chief investigator on the study, Dominey-Howes is also a global leader in natural hazards and disaster risk reduction and聽regularly consults with governments on the development of policy.
鈥淲e know that during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, for example, LGBTI people experienced significant discrimination in emergency shelters. Same-sex couples also struggled because their relationships weren鈥檛 recognised by the authorities administering ongoing financial and housing support,鈥� he said.
Dr Andrew Gorman-Murray, from the University of Western Sydney,聽is the project鈥檚 other lead investigator.
He said that research in this area has been extremely limited but is crucial in improving support for LGBTI people globally.
鈥淲e want to encourage practices that reduce vulnerability and increase resilience among marginalised groups,” he said.
“Understanding the experiences of people in a location like the Blue Mountains, where there is a significant LGBTI community, will help us do that.”
The researchers have to date conducted interviews with LGBTI Brisbane residents affected by the floods of 2011. Dr Gorman-Murray said the response was positive.
鈥淚 think many people appreciated the chance just to have their stories heard. Happily, some told us of really positive and supportive responses from emergency services, as well as from friends and family,” he said.
“Others were badly traumatised by the floods and continue to rebuild their lives. Our aim is to cover the full scope of these experiences and to include as many voices as possible.”
Researchers will conduct in-person interviews in the Blue Mountains in coming months. To participate, or for details, email Scott McKinnon at聽[email protected].
If you identify as LGBTI, live or work in the Blue Mountains and have been impacted by bushfire, you can also share your experiences through an anonymous, 15-minute online survey:聽
(Main image via聽)
