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5.4 Collaborations Our communities are currently being caught in a vicious cycle of victimization and revictimization - the victims of physical assault on the streets, and discrimination, denial, and disrespect of us and our families in our search for support and care. Looking at hate activities from this broader angle, it becomes clear that ameliorating hate activities against LGBT communities will require joint, collaborative and proactive efforts between the LGBT communities, Government bodies, and the health, legal, and education systems. The recommendations coming out of the conference with their broad-based focus from the individual to the community to a systemic level, clearly reflect the delegates' recognition of the need for a collaborative response to hate crimes. The need to network, build alliances and to work collaboratively to address violence and bashing was a clear theme from the conference streams. These recommendations included forming coalitions within the LGBT communities, and between the LGBT communities and service providers and government bodies. Delegates recommended a follow-up conference be held on the issue of violence and bashing and also recommended that the Provincial Government acknowledge that the provision of services must be developed in conjunction with, and led by, members of queer communities. We strongly suggest that the Ministries seek our input and involvement on issues relevant to our communities through standing committees and task forces, and specifically create an Advisory Committee to address issues from this conference. |