Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and All Additional Identities (2SLGBTQIA+)
2SLGBTQIA+ Population
Gender identity and expression, as well as sexual orientation and attraction, are widely recognized as social determinants of health (Health Equity). The 2SLGBTQIA+ population represents a diverse group of identities. It is important to note that terminology and identities connected with this population have evolved over time, and that individuals may or may not identify with specific identities or labels connected within the umbrella of the 2SLGBTQIA+ population. The understanding of what it means to be part of this community and identify— for example, as Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-heteronormative, or CIS-normative—continues to shift as history and knowledge evolves. This fluidity and evolution of identities is represented by the “+” in 2SLGBTQIA+. See below descriptions of 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology.
| Two–Spirit
An umbrella term for the many Indigenous traditional identities forcefully suppressed by colonization. The term honours the fluid and diverse nature of gender and attraction and its connection to community and spirituality. An individual may choose to use this term instead of, or in addition to, identifying as LGBTQI. Lesbian A person who identifies as either woman or nonbinary and who experiences attraction to the same or similar genders. Gay A person who experiences attraction to people of the same gender as themselves. It can be used by individuals of any gender but is often used to refer specifically to men who are attracted to the same or similar genders. Bisexual A person who experiences attraction to both people of their own gender and people of gender different from their own. Trans/Transgender A person whose gender identity does not correspond with what is socially expected based on their sex assigned at birth. It can be used as an umbrella term to refer to a range of gender identities and experiences. Queer An umbrella term that may variously describe 2SLGBTQI communities, one’s relationship to a particular community, or an individual identity. It can denote same-gender attraction or reflect more complex dynamics between one’s sex, gender, and attraction experiences. Questioning An umbrella term for the process of reconciling one’s felt sense of self in terms of gender and/or attraction and the language one uses to describe those experiences. It may be experienced for a single period, episodically, or persistently over one’s lifetime. Intersex A person whose chromosomal, hormonal, or anatomical sex characteristics fall outside of the conventional classifications of male or female. Asexual A person who does not experience sexual attraction, and/or who has little to no interest in sexual activity. When used as an umbrella term, it encompasses identities reflecting a range of experiences and degrees of interest in sexual intimacy, including demisexual and graysexual.
Source: 2SLGBTQI Terms and Definitions and other gender and attraction diversity terminology, Egale. |
For more information on the 2SLGBTQIA+ population and its connection to health, visit Egale, Trans PULSE Canada or Community-Based Research Centre. If you are looking for a healthcare provider that is well-informed about the health and wellness needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ population, visit the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory for more information.
Partnerships and Initiatives
We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive space—for clients, staff, partners, volunteers, students, contractors—everyone. Learn more about our commitment to be a positive space.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is partnering with New Horizons for 2S-LGBTQ+ Older Adults (Réseau ACCESS Network) and SQUAD to offer Harvest Pride programming by bringing older adults and youth who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ together. SQUAD is a grassroots organization that strives to bring the 2SLGBTQIA+ community together and provide resources. Events offer safer spaces where all Queer identified persons and allies can be their true selves. Harvest Pride programming and organizations like SQUAD help reduce isolation and increase connections across the lifespan which are positive enablers of health and well-being for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Visit our Invisible No More Study page to learn more about the 2019 collaboration between Public Health Sudbury & Districts and Laurentian University which examined the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ community members in Sudbury and districts and how they relate to public health.
This item was last modified on July 16, 2024