Despite progress in the area of 2SLGBTQIA+ recognition and rights many people in these communities in Canada and around the world continue to face fear, misunderstanding, hatred, violence and oppression.

Why this day is important

More than one million 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who call Canada home and by age 15, over 59% had been assaulted at least once, compared to 37% of heterosexual people. From 2020 to 2021, Canada experienced a 64% rise in hate crimes targeting sexual orientation—a statistic that captures only those incidents reported to police. Source: Statistics Canada

Take action

The best way to participate in the commemoration of this day is to be an active ally to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. Learning more about their lives and struggles will help you to understand, identify and disrupt homophobia, transphobia and biphobia when you see it happen. Let’s work together to create a community where each of us can be heard and legitimized and where everyone can belong.

Resources

• Standing against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia
• All About Pronouns – University of Toronto
• 2SLGBTQ+ Terms & Concepts - University of Toronto
• The Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan aims to advance rights, improve social, economic, and health outcomes for 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians: Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, + is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies.