2SLGBTQIA+

Canada is home to people with different sexual orientations and gender identities. Find information about sexual diversity and identity, and where to get help if you want to come out or need advice.

Sexual diversity can mean different sexual likes and dislikes. It is usually used with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity.

The term sexual orientation is used to describe who you are romantically or sexually attracted to. Your sexual orientation could be to the opposite gender (heterosexual), the same gender (gay or lesbian), both men and women (bisexual), all genders (pansexual) or neither (asexual).

You are the only person who can decide your gender identity. Most people are born with a body that is clearly either male or female. This is your biological sex. However, not everyone feels that their biological sex reflects their true gender identity. Some may identify with a gender that is different than their assigned biological sex.

2SLGBTQIA+ is one of several acronyms that reflect sexual diversity. There are others that you may see that are longer or shorter, including but not limited to LGBT2Q, LGBT, LGBTQ and TNB2S.

Here are the different definitions that make up 2SLGBTQIA+

2S means Two-Spirit: A term used by an Indigenous person to describe their spiritual, gender and sexual identity.

L means Lesbian: A female who is mainly sexually attracted to females.

G means Gay: A male who is mainly sexually attracted to males.

B means Bisexual: A male or female who is sexually attracted to males and females.

T means Trans or Transgender: Trans or Transgender is an umbrella term that describes a wide range of people whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth.

Q means Queer or Questioning: Queer is a term a non-heterosexual person might use to refer to themselves instead of gay, lesbian or bisexual. Questioning refers to a person who is still clarifying what their sexual orientation is.

I means Intersex

A means Asexual

+ means additional identities: As society changes, attitudes to sexual identity and the terms used can also change.

NB means non-binary: Non-binary is a term that refers to diverse people whose gender identity is neither female nor male. Some individuals self-identify as non-binary, whereas, other may use terms such as Gender Non-conforming, Genderqueer, or Agender. Non-binary people may or may not conform to societal expectations for their gender expression and gender role, and they may or may not seek gender-affirming medical or surgical care.

Get more information about 2SLGBTQIA+.

Coming out means telling people you know about your sexuality or gender identity. It usually happens after you have accepted it yourself, and feel comfortable enough with it to tell others. For most people, ‘coming out’ is a very scary and difficult process. Some may fear the reaction of others, or perhaps some have their own prejudices toward 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Although difficult, there are some good reasons to come out.

When and how to come out is your decision. Here are some things to consider:

You are not alone. Consider connecting with people in the gay, lesbian, and bisexual communities in your area. Here are a few types of support you can look into:

Here are some other places to help you find information and support:

• Qmunity
  Qmunity provides personal support and counselling services for queer and trans people of all ages to live healthier, happier lives.
• Trans Care B.C.
  Trans Care B.C. provides information and support for people in B.C. to gender-affirming health and wellness care.
• Health Initiative for Men (HIM)
  HIM is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the health and well-being of gay and bisexual men. They have programs and services for physical, sexual, social and mental health. Specialized health promotion and clinical services are available in New Westminster, Surrey and Abbotsford, as well as Vancouver.