Not Just Checklists and Rainbows: Exploring Canadian Dietitians' Beliefs, Values, and Knowledge of Transgender Nutritional Care.

Purpose: Many transgender (short form: trans) people are experiencing disparities within Canadian health care systems, including nutritional and dietetic health care systems. This research explores the views, beliefs, and experiences of Canadian dietitians about trans nutritional care and seeks to understand how dietitians can better address the nutritional needs of trans individuals. Methods: Semistructured online interviews were conducted with 16 Canadian dietitians. Interviews were transcribed and the data were analyzed thematically. Results: Three main themes were created; (1) There's an Unjust System, (2) We've Come a Long Way, and (3) Not Just Checklists and Rainbows. The participants explored the historic nature of the Canadian dietetic profession and noted the connection between cis-normativity and the erasure of trans identities. They also explored how dietitians could better address the health needs of trans people, including moving beyond the acknowledgement of trans identities to changing the way gender is viewed in the profession. Conclusion: The dietetic profession must move beyond surface-level activities and rethink gender. Recommendations include adding trans-focused care training into the profession, creating safer spaces for trans individuals, advocacy and allyship, and recruiting trans people to the profession.

Anti-Black racism in the early years: the experiences of Black families and early childhood educators in Nova Scotia. / Le racisme envers les personnes noires durant la petite enfance : l'expérience de familles noires et d'éducateurs de la petite enfance en Nouvelle-Écosse.

INTRODUCTION: Anti-Black racism is a social determinant of health that has significantly impacted Black children and families. Limited research has examined anti-Black racism during the early years-a critical period of development. In this study, we sought to understand the manifestations of anti-Black racism in early childhood and explore its impact on Black children and families. METHODS: This qualitative research project was informed by critical race theory, Black Critical Theory and interpretive description. Early childhood educators (ECEs) and parents with Black children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years (n = 15) participated in virtual, semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Awareness of and protection against anti-Black racism was a constant in Black families' lives. Parents felt as though they had to remain hypervigilant and overprotective of their Black children, knowing they were liable to encounter racial violence. The early learning environment was a source of heightened stress for families, given the significant amount of time young children spend in child care. Black children were often "othered" in predominately White spaces and had been objectified by White ECE staff and children. Parents worked to instill a strong sense of self-confidence in their children to counteract the negative impacts of racial discrimination. CONCLUSION: Results from this study suggest that children as young as 18 months are experiencing racial violence and adverse childhood experiences. Findings may contribute to antiracist policy development and a focus on more inclusive early childhood education for Black children and families.

"It Literally Can Save Lives": How Challenging Structural Inequities in Sexual Orientation and Gender Priorities Can Create Change in the Canadian Dietetic Profession.

Purpose: Our aim was to explore Canadian dietitians' knowledge, beliefs, and values relating to the nutritional care of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and other queer groups (2SLGBTQ+).Methods: The research was qualitative and used a poststructural theoretical lens. Interviews were conducted with 16 Canadian dietitians. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Three themes were noted: (i) moving away from the binary; (ii) systemic discrimination and 2SLGBTQ+ experiences; and (iii) professional organizations and advocacy. The participants discussed structural, professional, and cultural barriers that affect the nutrition and health experiences of sexual and gender diverse groups.Conclusion: Dietetic institutions and regulatory bodies must provide sexual and gender diversity resources and engage in activities that acknowledge the lives and nutritional concerns of sexual and gender diverse people. Such advocacy is a means to provide more inclusive and equitable care. Key recommendations for structural changes within the profession include using an intersectional lens and a critical dietetic approach to nutritional care.