The federal government on Sunday unveiled what it described as a historic first: a five-year, $100 million plan to support LGBTQ, Two-Spirit and intersex communities across the country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the plan titled “Canada’s First Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan…Building Our Future, With Pride”.
According to him, this plan demonstrates his government’s commitment to fight discrimination and support diversity.
“This plan will guide our ongoing work to overcome discrimination, break down barriers, advance rights and build a future in which all Canadians are truly free to be who they are and love who they are. love,” he said.
Mr. Trudeau indicated that $75 million will be donated to community organizations that promote sexual diversity and inclusion. “Because that’s where the real work of support and mutual aid is done,” he said.
“The strength and resilience of your communities should inspire everyone,” he added.
The federal government says it wants to adopt and encourage the use of the acronym 2ELGBTQI+. ” [Il] is more inclusive and highlights the experience of Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ communities as North America’s first 2SLGBTQI+ people,” reads the press release.
The acronym stands for people with two minds, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex and those who indicate membership in various sexual and gender groups.
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, said the funds will be given “to all those who fight to be heard and accepted. »
“This is for anyone who has been rejected by family and friends after coming out on their own, for anyone who has to try to live out their reality in rural communities where they may feel isolated, for black queers who fight every day to justify their place in this country and for transwomen who are afraid to come home alone in the dark. »
Ms. Ien also said that this plan was put in place after seven years of consultation with the LGBTQ and Two-Spirit communities. In 2020-2021, more than 25,000 people responded to a national online questionnaire.
“Many of them told us that they needed direct help. We have to offer programs, we have to continue to educate a wider audience because we cannot legislate kindness. »
She said more than $5 million will be earmarked for the design and implementation of awareness campaigns focused on eliminating stigma and discrimination.
In addition, $7.7 million will be used for data collection and community-led policy research in support of federal interventions related to 2SLGBTQI+ issues. The government also intends to launch consultations on other criminal law reforms.