We’re sharing a special episode of the Canadian Time Machine podcast marking the 25th anniversary of the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act, the landmark legislation that formally recognized same-sex couples under federal law. The Act represented a significant shift in how queer relationships were acknowledged and protected in Canada.

Writer and performer Steen Starr, whose art and activism captured the spirit of the time, joins former MP Libby Davies, who was in Parliament when the legislation passed. Together, they reflect on the debates that shaped this milestone and the freedoms that followed.

More episodes are available at https://lnkfi.re/canadian-time-machine. To read the episode transcripts in French and English, and to learn more about historic Canadian milestones, please visit thewalrus.ca/canadianheritage. There is also a French counterpart of this show called Voyages Dans L’Histoire Canadienne so if you’re bilingual and want to listen to more, visit https://lnkfi.re/Voyages-dans-lhistoire-canadienne.

This podcast receives funding from The Government of Canada and is produced by The Walrus Lab.

In this episode of 2SLGBTQ+ Health in Focus, our guests discuss an important and underreported issue: intimate partner violence in 2SLGBTQ+ relationships. While IPV occurs in 2SLGBTQ+ communities, stigma and invisibility make it difficult to discuss – both within our communities and in medical settings. Our guests explore what IPV looks like in these relationships and how to better support those affected. Tune in to learn more.

This episode features: Kristyn Wong-Tam, Toronto MPP and NDP critic for 2SLGBTQ+ issues with a track record in community development; Tori Stranges, UBC health researcher specializing in 2SLGBTQ+ healthcare access and intimate partner violence; and Iona Sky, social worker, consultant and educator focused on organizational change.

For a transcript of this episode, plus guest details and additional resources, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠rainbowhealthontario.ca/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Rainbow Health Ontario on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of 2SLGBTQ+ Health in Focus, our guests share key facts and advice about routine cancer screenings for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Why are 2SLGBTQ+ people less likely to be screened for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers? Why are they often diagnosed at later stages? And what resilience factors emerge? Tune in to learn more.

This episode features Dr Aisha Lofters, University of Toronto professor and cancer screening equity researcher, and Dr Kathryn Pfaff, University of Windsor nursing leader specializing in compassionate care models. Special thanks to Spencer, Rita and Rie for sharing their cancer screening experiences.

For a transcript of this episode, plus guest details and additional resources, visit: ⁠⁠⁠rainbowhealthontario.ca/podcast⁠⁠⁠

Follow Rainbow Health Ontario on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.

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Rainbow Health Ontario’s Be Seen. Get Screened. campaign addresses cancer disparities in 2SLGBTQ+ communities through a provincewide awareness initiative. This campaign works to start conversations, share knowledge and make cancer screening information more accessible across Ontario.

Free resources, including print materials and a social media toolkit, are available at get-screened.ca.

Thank you to our outreach sponsor, Manulife Canada.

2SLGBTQ+ Health in Focus, a podcast by Rainbow Health Ontario, features experts and innovators in 2SLGBTQ+ health care to explore what’s working, what needs to change and how we can move forward. Stay tuned for two new Season 2 episodes coming soon!

Listen to the trailer for a preview, and follow for updates at ⁠rainbowhealthontario.ca/podcast⁠.

In the second part of our season finale of 2SLGBTQ+ Health in Focus, we speak with advocates who share practical strategies to counter transphobia. From safety protocols to communications approaches and cybersecurity improvements, you'll learn tools to help persevere amid rising hate.

This episode features: Fae Johnstone, award-winning 2SLGBTQ+ advocate and executive director of Wisdom2Action; Kathryn LeBlanc, social impact communications strategist specializing in 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy; and Laura Graves, machine learning researcher and cybersecurity expert.

For a transcript of this episode, plus guest details and additional resources, visit: ⁠⁠rainbowhealthontario.ca/podcast⁠⁠

Follow Rainbow Health Ontario on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

In the first part of our two-part season finale of 2SLGBTQ+ Health in Focus, we examine how anti-trans activists target health care providers. A clinic shares its experience with this harassment, while experts analyze today’s landscape of transphobia and disinformation.

This episode features: Kevin Cao, youth healthcare advocate at Thrive Kids Clinic; Dr Raphael Buencamino, Toronto physician specializing in gender-affirming care for 2SLGBTQ+ youth; Fae Johnstone, award-winning 2SLGBTQ+ advocate and executive director of Wisdom2Action; and Dr Saroo Sharda, McMaster University's equity leader and physician championing inclusive medical education.

For a transcript of this episode, plus guest details and additional resources, visit: ⁠rainbowhealthontario.ca/podcast⁠

Follow Rainbow Health Ontario on ⁠Instagram⁠.

Rural 2SLGBTQ+ communities face unique health care barriers and experience worse outcomes for chronic conditions and patient engagement compared to urban populations. In this episode of 2SLGBTQ+ Health in Focus, health care providers and patients share their experiences and recommend best practices for remote areas.

This episode features: Natalie Moores, an active volunteer in the queer community; Dr Sean Sullivan, NOSM University professor and family physician specializing in 2SLGBTQ+ health; Sean, a medical student and former activist pursuing rural family medicine; and Sharp, a Two Spirit psychotherapist, military veteran, and activist.

For a transcript of this episode, plus guest details and additional resources, visit: rainbowhealthontario.ca/podcast

Follow Rainbow Health Ontario on Instagram.

In this episode of 2SLGBTQ+ Health in Focus, our guests make the case for standardizing 2SLGBTQ+ health care in medical education across Canada. They discuss current initiatives in medical schools, as well as opportunities for training and professional development.

This episode features: Dr. Ness Karsenti, architect of Canada's national 2SLGBTQ+ medical education standards; Miranda Schreiber, award-winning 2SLGBTQ+ health equity researcher; Dr. Tehmina Ahmad, University of Toronto endocrinologist and trans health educator; Dr. Amy Bourns, developer of gender-affirming primary care guidelines; Dr. Anna York-Lyon, family physician improving trans healthcare access; and Dr. Jordan Goodridge, 2SLGBTQ+ health and medical education specialist.

For a transcript of this episode, plus guest details and additional resources, visit: rainbowhealthontario.ca/podcast

Follow Rainbow Health Ontario on Instagram.