Queer and Mad: 2SLGBTQIA+ students' perceptions of the Acadia Counselling Centre

The purpose of this research is to determine if queer students at Acadia University are receiving the help they need from the school provided mental health services, specifically the Acadia Counselling Centre. For this research, six semi-structured interviews were conducted with self-identified queer Acadia University students. The interviews were then transcribed and coded to identify the relevant themes. In interpreting and understanding the experiences of my participants, I use an anti-oppressive and participatory action me thodology, with a specific goal of creating positive change for queer students at Acadia University. The findings show that queer students do not feel the counsellors of the Acadia Counselling Centre are sufficiently knowledgeable in queer identity or issues to provide them with the proper mental health supports. Based on the interviews and interpretations, recommendations are provided for necessary changes to the Acadia Counselling Centre.