Building 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador: What Quadrangle NL Has Done and Will Do
Access to safe, affirming, and inclusive healthcare remains one of the most pressing concerns for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Building on Quadrangle’s ongoing programs, this panel will highlight innovative approaches to supporting community members while addressing systemic barriers in healthcare.
Neska Savage (they/them) is a queer, transfemme nonbinary individual of white settler and Nunatsiavut Inuit heritage, born and raised in St. John’s on the island of Ktaqmkuk. They hold a BSc (Psychology) and an MSc in Medicine (Neuroscience). After briefly pursuing academia, Neska shifted to frontline community work in 2019. Their professional and lived experience span working with sex workers, people who use drugs, and individuals living with poverty and homelessness. Neska believes deeply in using lived experience as resistance to stigma and systemic oppression. Outside of advocacy, they enjoy relaxing with their partner and pets, playing video games, and watching cartoons.
Neska Savage (they/them)
Dr. Jian Fu (he/they) is an Asian queer researcher with a Ph.D. in Sociology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. His work explores globalization of sexuality, nationalism, LGBT activism, and political psychology, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. His scholarship includes a publication in the Journal of Human Rights. Dr. Fu is currently a Mitacs Postdoctoral Fellow with Quadrangle and Memorial, leading a healthcare knowledge mobilization project to strengthen inclusive, community-centered healthcare for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Dr. Jian Fu (he/they)
Luca Schaefer (she/her) is a trans woman and community organizer committed to the self-determination of marginalized peoples across Turtle Island. Originally from Peterborough, Ontario, she moved to St. John’s in 2022 and has since worked with community organizations supporting unhoused people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and trans communities. Luca is known for her humour, dedication, and belief that collective action can build a better world. She also explores creative expression through poetry and block printing.
Luca Schaefer (she/her)