The Nordic research project aims to offer a learning platform with easily accessible information that enhances LGBTQ+ competencies within higher education programs. Together with researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland and Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway, Siri Lindqvist and Heikki Tikkanen at the University of Gothenburg will develop a multilingual Nordic digital curriculum.
Hi Siri and Heikki. You are researchers in social work at the University of Gothenburg and have recently received funding for a Nordic research project. The project aims to develop a common curriculum on LGBTQ+ issues. Why is it important to research this?
Heikki: "Many professionals feel uncertain about how to handle LGBTQ+ issues in their work. We also know that LGBTQ+ individuals sometimes hesitate to share important information related to their identity and sometimes even avoid or delay seeking care due to minority stress."
Siri: "We want to make it easier for both groups with easily accessible knowledge that leads to better treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals."
What role do you have in the project?
Siri: "We are both involved in planning the project. I will be involved in conducting and writing the first article on the state of knowledge regarding education on LGBTQ+ issues at the master's and bachelor's levels in human service professions."
Heikki: "After that, our Finnish colleagues will mainly drive the project together with students and LGBTQ+ organizations. Finally, Siri and I, together with the whole group, will formulate, evaluate, and test the flexible course module."
How will the curriculum work?
Heikki: "The idea is that the course setup will be available online. Clips with video lectures, texts, and reflection tasks will make the course ready to be absorbed by current students, professionals, and teachers who want to improve their teaching."
The project starts in January 2025 and runs until August 2026. After that, the multilingual digital platform is expected to be ready to improve LGBTQ+ knowledge in social work and healthcare.
Siri: "We see that the Nordic countries have a lot in common. The basic education should therefore be usable by all countries. There will be translated material into the different languages and different translations in text for video lectures."
The project receives funding from the Nordic LGBTI Fund, administered by Nordic Information on Gender on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The fund aims to stimulate Nordic collaborations in the LGBTI area.
What does the research grant mean for the project?
Siri: "We are grateful and happy that the Nordic Council of Ministers for LGBTQ+ research on health and living conditions has given us the honor of bringing this project to fruition."
