Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan… Building our future, with pride

Launched on August 28, 2022, the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan (Action Plan) aims at advancing rights and equality for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) people in Canada.

This Action Plan intends to create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, for present and future generations. The Action Plan builds upon work the Government of Canada has done since 2015 to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country.

Learn more about the progress made on the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan.

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

Creating a more equitable Canada

The Action Plan includes several new initiatives, organized in 6 priority areas, to be implemented over the next five years. The Action Plan and initiatives were based on an extensive engagement process with 2SLGBTQI+ community members, organizations, advocates and experts, the Plan focuses on the following six priority areas:

Prioritize and sustain 2SLGBTQI+ community action

A couple kisses with children on their shoulders in Victoria, British Columbia Credit: Marcia Fernandes

Objective: to support the growth, sustainability and leadership of 2SLGBTQI+ community organizations in advocating for and serving the communities they represent.

Continue to advance and strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ rights at home and abroad

Gay couple Michael Stark, left, and partner Michael Leshner – Canada’s first legally married same-sex couple in 2003 Credit: Michael Stuparyk

Objective: to promote and continue strengthening the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada and abroad.

Support Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ resilience and resurgence

A culturally specific identity, “Two-Spirit” is used by some Indigenous people to indicate a person whose gender identity, spiritual identity and/or sexual orientation comprises both male and female spirits. Pictured: a potato dance takes place at the 2018 East Coast Two-Spirit Gathering in New York State. Photo provided by Gabe Calderón (they/them)

Objective: to support the resilience and resurgence of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ communities as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities

Engage everyone in Canada in fostering a 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive future

Sometimes, demonstrating your pride means showing your true colors. Pictured: couple holding hands, wearing Pride-themed sweat bands. Credit: Andriy Popov

Objective: to raise awareness and improve understanding of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and issues.

Strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ data and evidence-based policy making

Enhanced data on the realities of 2SLGBTQI+ communities will help shape federal policies that can provide support on important issues.

Objective: to improve data collection, analysis, research and knowledge on 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada.

Embed 2SLGBTQI+ issues in the work of the Government of Canada

Canadian Armed Forces members march in the 2018 Toronto Pride Parade. Credit: Shawn Goldberg

Objective: to strengthen mechanisms to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues and ensure coordinated Government of Canada responses to community priorities.

Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan Survey findings

The 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan Survey was the first in a series of engagement activities designed to support the development of the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan. Explore the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan Survey results.

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