Two Spirit people are Indigenous people from Turtle Island who embody a third or mixed gender identity that may include sexual diversity. The Two Spirit identity can be different than a LGBT Indigenous person because to be Two Spirit carries ceremonial, cultural and religious duties in the community. Indigenous people, including Two Spirit people, living […]
Canadian refugee law is based on the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Though sexual identity has not been explicitly listed as a grounds for protection, Canadian courts have determined that it is covered under “particular social group”. Queer individuals must demonstrate that they have been persecuted on the basis of sexual orientation […]
Discrimination is the unequal or prejudicial treatment of a person based on negative views of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability. Housing: Every person has a right to be free of discrimination in their housing. As […]
Queer and trans people often face the burden of having the change their legal identification information to accurately reflect their identity. This process is costly, time consuming and bureaucratic. In Ontario, this can include several forms to do the following: change the name of your birth certificate, change the gender marker on your birth certificate […]
The queer community has historically had a precarious relationship with police forces, strengthened by events like bathhouse raids and carding practices or police harassment that often target queer people of colour. The queer community has been over-policed while engaging in cruising, sex work, or even merely demonstrating affection towards a partner. If you are detained, […]
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is any form of violence that takes place within a romantic or sexual relationship. This includes psychological, physical, sexual and emotional violence. IPV can cause family or relationship breakdown, impact child custody, and can have detrimental impacts on the health and wellbeing of those involved. Queer people can experience IPV in […]