Lgbtq definition canada
PSAC is committed to knowing and celebrating the contributions of union members from Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, multi-attracted , transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and gender non-conforming communities.
The fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights is far from over
2SLGBTQIA+ communities continue to confront discrimination and harassment at work and in their daily lives:
- Due to stigma, discrimination, homelessness, and poverty many 2SLGBTQIA+ people cannot access adequate healthcare, and as a result cannot get life-saving drugs
- Trans people continue to have limited access to gender affirming care, and this has only worsened throughout the pandemic
- Many workplaces fail to provide gender inclusive washroom facilities
- Though the ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men has been recently lifted, discriminatory practices persist, adversely impacting members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
PSAC has lengthy campaigned for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. Eradicating homophobia and transphobia in workplaces and advocating for the full protection of 2SLGBTQIA+ members proceed to be priorities for our union.
We have had many collective bargaining victories, including:
No discrimination ba
Canada at a Glance, 2023
2SLGBTQ+ populationTable of contents
Did you know?Note
- Canada is home to approximately 1.3 million people who are Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, fluid, transgender, queer or who use other terms associated to gender or sexual diversity (2SLGBTQ+).Note This represents 4.4% of the Canadian population aged 15 years and older.
- Among the 2SLGBTQ+ population, about 52.7% are cisgender women, 39.2% are cisgender men, 3.9% are transgender women or men, and 4.2% are non-binary.
Age group Percentage Total, 15 years and older 4.4 15 to 24 years 10.5 25 to 34 years 7.4 35 to 44 years 3.9 45 to 54 years 2.4 55 to 64 years 2.5 65 years and older 1.3 Highest level of education 2SLGBTQ+ Non-2SLGBTQ+ percent High academy diploma or less 21.9 24.3 Trade certificate 6.3 9.2 Degree below the bachelor level 31.4 29.6 Bachelor’s degree or higher 40.3 36.8 Total personal income before tax 2SLGBTQ+ Non-2SLGBTQ+ percent Less than $20,000 21.6 15.9 $20,000 to $39,999 27.4 22.1 $40,000 to $59,999 21.8 22.8 $60,000 to $79,999 12.8 15.5 $80,000 to $99,999 8.0 Socioeconomic profile of the 2SLGBTQ+ population aged 15 years and older, 2019 to 2021
In the news Indicators Releases by subject
Special interest Release schedule Information
Text - SelectedTablesRelated informationPDF (146 KB)
Released: 2024-01-25
Statistics Canada released three data tables on the population who is Two-Spirit, lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual, transgender and gay, or who uses other terms related to gender and sexual diversity (2SLGBTQ+). Using combined cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) (2019 to 2021), these tables help fill a data gap on the 2SLGBTQ+ population in Canada.
Data on selected socioeconomic characteristics for the 2SLGBTQ+ population are available, with separate tables for the trans and non-binary population, and for the population whose reported sexual orientation is lesbian, gay, bisexual or another sexual orientation that is not heterosexual (LGB+).
Overall, 1 in 10 youth report being 2SLGBTQ+
According to data from the 2019 to 2021 CCHS, approximately 1.3 million people, or 4.4% of the Canadian population aged
The human rights of lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, queer, 2-spirit and intersex persons
Canada stands up for the protection and promotion of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual person, transgender, queer, 2-spirit and intersex (LGBTQ2I) people globally.
The human rights of all persons are universal and indivisible. Everyone should enjoy the same fundamental human rights, regardless of their sexual orientation and their gender identity and expression.
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that “all human beings are born free and equivalent in dignity and rights.” Article 2 declares, “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration.” All people, including LGBTQ2I individuals, are entitled to adore the protection provided by international human rights law, which is based on equality and non-discrimination.
Nearly 30 countries, including Canada, recognize lgbtq+ marriage. By contrast, more than 70 countries still criminalize consensual same-sex manner. This includes 6 countries that effectively impose the death penalty on consensual same-sex sexual acts. In 6 other countries, the death penalt
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender culture, gender expression and sex characteristics
Foreign laws and customs comparable to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) can be very distinct from those in Canada. As a result, you could face certain barriers and risks when you travel outside Canada. Research and prepare for your trip in advance to help your travels go smoothly.
On this page
Before you go
Visit the Explore Advice and Advisories pages for your destination countries. The “Laws and culture” tab may enclose information on the laws and social customs that could affect 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians there.
Watch for laws that:
- criminalize same-sex activities and relationships
- criminalize people based on their sexual orientation, gender self, gender expression, and sex characteristics
Some countries may use laws related to “vagrancy”, “public nuisance” or “public morals” to criminalize 2SLGBTQI+ people.
Research the laws, safety recommendations and social customs related to sexual orientation, gender culture, gender expression and sex characteristics in your destination land. Some useful resources includ