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

There are 1 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: