What is 2SLGBTQI+?

Terminology and acronyms are continuously evolving. Following here are the acronyms used in Canada in 2023 to designate the sexual and gender diverse communities in Canada: 

2SLGBTQQIA+ is the acronym adopted by the National 2SLGBTQQIA+ Committee, which contributed to the 2021 Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. 

2SLGBTQI+

Following the launch of Canada’s First Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan… Building our future, with pride, the Government of Canada adopted the use of a new acronym, 2SLGBTQI+, as communities in Canada called, during public consultations, for the acronym used by the Government of Canada to be updated. 

This acronym represents Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities. The “2S” at the front recognizes Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities. The “I” for intersex considers sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The “+” is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies. 

The acronym in French is 2ELGBTQI+. It is important to note that “personnes aux deux esprits” et “personnes bispirituelles” can be used interchangeably, although the acronym remains the same. 

Until 2022, the federal government used the acronym ‘LGBTQ2’. 

LGBTI is often used in an international context. 

A glossary of 2SLGBTQI+ terms and acronyms and the Gender and sexual diversity glossary are available.