Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ Groups Seek $450 Million for Action Plan
Over 40 organizations advocate for increased federal funding to address community needs amid rising hate and economic pressures.
More than 40 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations are collectively requesting approximately $450 million from the Canadian government to sustain and expand the nation's 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan over the next five years. The demand was made on Parliament Hill in Ottawa during an event described as the 'largest-ever Queer day.'
The 2SLGBTQIA+ acronym encompasses diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural roles, with '2S' representing an Indigenous identity for individuals embodying both masculine and feminine spirits. The plan aims to address critical areas including housing, healthcare, support for refugees, and economic development, citing concerns over increasing hate and economic challenges faced by the queer community.
The current 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan, initiated in 2022 with a budget of $100 million, is set to expire in March 2027. During its tenure, the plan allocated funds to various initiatives. Approximately $40 million supported grants and projects prioritizing queer Black or Indigenous individuals, as well as persons with disabilities, seniors, youth, official language minority communities, and those in rural areas. Another $35 million funded groups working to counter discriminatory policies and harmful norms. Additionally, nearly $12 million established a 2SLGBTQIA+ Secretariat within Women and Gender Equality Canada, and about $5.6 million supported an anti-discrimination campaign.
The existing plan also included a public consultation on criminal law reform, addressing issues such as the criminalization of cosmetic surgeries on intersex children's genitalia and limiting prosecutions for individuals not disclosing HIV status prior to sexual activity.
Fae Johnstone, executive director of Queer Momentum, characterized the requested $450 million as an 'investment.' She stated that supporting local organizations leads to reduced emergency room visits and decreased homelessness among queer and trans youth, as families have resources for support. Johnstone also noted that the proposed funding would assist queer and trans workers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who face discrimination, ultimately contributing to a stronger economy.
Doug Kerr, Executive Director of Dignity Network Canada, emphasized the broader impact of past funding, noting its role in supporting Canadian embassies, NGOs, and human rights defenders working in challenging international contexts where queer and trans individuals face increased criminalization and restrictive laws. He described the current demand as a necessary doubling down of support.
Throughout the week, delegates are scheduled to meet with Canadian parliament members, senators, and ministerial offices to discuss their demands ahead of the 2026 fall budget. Alberta Senator Kristopher Wells indicated that federal ministers are currently engaged in discussions with queer and trans leaders, expressing hope for a renewal and increase in the action plan's funding.