2SLGBTQ+

2SLGBTQ+ Population

Gender identity and expression, as well as sexual orientation and attraction, are widely recognized as social determinants of health (Health Equity). The 2SLGBTQ+ 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 2SLGBTQ+ 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 2SLGBTQ+. See below for a description of some of the terms connected with the 2SLGBTQ+ population adapted from The 519, Community Centre in Toronto.

Two–Spirit A term used by Indigenous People to describe from a cultural perspective people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, or intersex. Lesbian A woman who is emotionally, physically, spiritually, and/or sexually attracted to women. Gay A person whose enduring physical, romantic, spiritual, emotional, and/or sexual attractions are to people of the same gender. The word can refer to men or women, although some women prefer “lesbian.” Sometimes used as an umbrella term for the LBGTQ community. Bisexual A person who is emotionally, physically, spiritually and/or sexually attracted to people of more than one gender, though not necessarily at the same time. Trans/Transgender Umbrella terms that describe people with diverse gender identities and gender expressions that do not conform to stereotypical ideas about what it means to be a girl/woman or boy/man in society. Trans identities include people whose gender identity is different from the gender associated with their birth-assigned sex. Queer Formerly derogatory slang term used to identify LGBT people. Some members of the LGBT community have embraced and reinvented this term as a positive and proud political identifier when speaking among and about themselves.

For more information on the 2SLGBTQ+ population and connection to health, visit Egale, Trans PULSE Canada or Community-Based Research Centre.

Visit our Invisible No More Study page to learn more about a recent study collaboration between Public Health Sudbury & Districts and Laurentian University that examined the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ community members in Sudbury and districts and how they relate to public health.

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This item was last modified on October 19, 2022