The Links Between Stigma, Health Equity and Social Justice
Dr. Carmen Logie has a vision of the world where everyone has an equal right to health, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, geography or any other social factor. As Canada Research Chair in Global Health Equity and Social Justice with Marginalized Populations, she is trying to turn her vision into reality.
Logie and her research team are examining the social factors that shape sexual and reproductive health and rights, including stigma and discrimination. In particular, they are identifying the social inequalities that lead to greater numbers of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among marginalized populations—a public health crisis in urgent need of solutions both in Canada and worldwide.
She and her team are engaging sexually and gender diverse people, ethno-racial minorities, and migrant and displaced persons from areas such as Toronto, northern Canada, Jamaica, Haiti and Uganda in community-based research. By shining a light on the social factors behind unequal access to HIV and STI testing, treatment and care, they are providing critical information that will improve healthcare practices, programs, policy and research.
Logie and her team are also determining the effectiveness of interventions for improving sexual health among marginalized groups. For example, their work with Indigenous youth in Northwest Territories communities shows that arts-based sexual health programs promote safer sex, increase STI awareness, and lead to better health outcomes.
Ultimately, Logie’s work will improve health, healthcare rights, programs and access to care for marginalized persons currently left out of the public health system.