2SLGBTQ+ Resources

2SLGBTQ+: Understanding the Acronym

2SLGBTQ+ is an umbrella term used to refer to a diverse community of people united by their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The term refers to some of the most commonly discussed queer orientations and gender identities:

2S - Two-Spirit

Two-spirit is a term used by some Indigenous people to describe their sexual, gender and/or spiritual identity. It refers to a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit.

The creation of the term two-spirit traces back to Elder Myra Laramee, who proposed its use during the Third Annual Inter-tribal Native American, First Nations, Gay and Lesbian American Conference, held in Winnipeg in 1990. The term is a translation of the Anishinaabemowin term niizh manidoowag, meaning two spirits.

L - Lesbian

Lesbian is a term used by some cis and trans women who are emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to people of the same gender to describe their sexual orientation. Some non-binary people also identify with this term.

B - Bisexual

People who are experience heterosexual attraction, as well as attraction to people of other gender identities may identify as bisexual.

There are many stereotypes around bisexuality, including the idea that it is a transitional stage before coming out as gay. Bisexual erasure, when the existence or legitimacy of bisexuality is denied or questioned, has been an ongoing issue in this community.

Some advocates argue that the term isn’t inclusive because the prefix “bi” reinforces a binary view of gender (male/female).

T - Transgender

Trans and transgender are wide-ranging terms for people whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the biological sex they were assigned at birth.

Trans identities are diverse and gender expression may be radically different from one trans person to the next.

Not every trans person identifies as “female” or “male”. People sometimes assume that being trans is about feeling you are the ‘opposite’ gender from the sex you were assigned at birth. This is true for some trans people, but not for others. This assumption excludes people who don’t identify as either ‘male’ or ‘female’ such as non-binary and gender fluid people.

The term trans describes how a person identifies, not how a person looks. People who don’t follow the traditional norms associated with their sex may not identify as trans. Some trans people choose not to transition or may not “pass” (when a trans person is perceived by others as the gender they identify with). This doesn’t take away from their trans identity.

Q - Queer

While the term queer has been used as an insult in the past, some members of the 2SLGBTQ+ have reclaimed it and use it proudly. It is used by some as an umbrella term for different 2SLGBTQ+ identities. Some people choose to identify as queer because it implies a rejection of the gender binary.

+ - Plus

2SLGBTQ is not an exhaustive list of queer and trans identities. There are many other expressions of sexuality and gender that are not adequately described by this acronym. The “+” acknowledges those identities.

Why 2S LGBTQ+?

Putting 2S at the beginning of the acronym is a way to decolonize queer spaces and centre the experiences of Indigenous peoples. Members of the 2SLGBT+ community may share common experiences of being a sexual or gender minority. However, the experience of queerness for a white settler and a person who is Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour (BIPOC) is often radically different. Putting Indigenous identities at the front of the acronym is a way to highlight the historical violence and continued oppression of Indigenous peoples in Canada and even within the 2SLGBTQ+ community itself. This one way we can practice anti-racism in 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Creating Inclusive Spaces for Trans and Non-Binary People

The 519's "Creating Authentic Spaces" toolkit and education program is designed to help challenge transphobia and to foster environments that are inclusive of gender identity and gender expression. 

This toolkit explores the experiences and challenges faced by trans people and supports organizations and individuals to develop approaches to fostering a trans inclusive environment. The toolkit and workshops also highlights the small and larger steps they can take personally and within their organizations to create more inclusive spaces and services for trans people.

View Creating Authentic Spaces Toolkit

Local Resources

These resources are provide information about the local organizations that create events, provide supports and services to 2SLGBTQ+ community members.