2SLGBTQIA+

Introduction

The resources below are designed to support gender identity and expression and sexual orientation equity at work, school and in our daily lives.

2SLGBTQIA+ stands for 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and the + includes all others (such as non-binary or pansexual). For a more in-depth overview of the different terminology, check out the Inclusive language section. Please note that some of the resources below include links to websites that use a different variation of the acronym for the same community.

Resources for job seekers

While WorkBC Centres strive to create open, inclusive spaces for individuals with employment barriers to seek assistance, you or someone you know may wish to access additional programs specifically designed for 2SLGTBQIA+ individuals. Check out the queer-friendly career resources below.

Equity Internship Program — A 12-month work experience program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This program helps individuals to develop their career paths and leadership skills.

Skills Training for Employment Program — This program provides training and supports for people who face barriers to employment.

Equity in Trades Training — These programs deliver training and supports for under-represented groups to reduce barriers and secure employment in the trades. 

YWCA Believe | Metro Vancouver — This free employment program offers career coaching and workshops to self-identified gender-diverse or 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees.

Jobs for Queers Facebook Pages | Victoria, Vancouver and more — Facebook is a great way to find local, niche job boards. Although the following pages are based in Victoria and Vancouver, there are plenty of remote work opportunities available. Likewise, it can be a useful way to discover queer-friendly employers to help expand your professional network.

Resources for students and youth

UBC CampOUT! — A leadership summer camp for queer, trans, Two-Spirit, questioning and allied youth from across B.C. and the Yukon held at Chá7elkwnech, Camp Fircom on Gambier Island.

OUT For Business Youth Entrepreneur Program — Supports a select group of 2SLGBTQI+ youth entrepreneurs each year by connecting them to one-on-one mentoring opportunities with current business leaders in the community.

Youth Start Proud — Provides professional development opportunities for 2SLGBTQ+ students or young adults starting careers. Supports include, but are not limited to, funding and a national mentorship program.

2-Spirit Collective Workshop for Youth Ages 15 to 30 — The Urban Native Youth Association 2-Spirit Collective provides support, resources, workshops, ceremonies and more for Indigenous youth, ages 15 to 30, who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Resource for Youth Educators — It's important for schools to be inclusive and safe spaces for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities; therefore, B.C. schools use the SOGI resource for youth education.

Grants and scholarships

There are scholarships, grants and bursaries available to 2SLGBTQIA+ students through individual B.C. post-secondary institutions. To ensure you get the most out of available funding, connect with your post-secondary funding office.

LOUD Foundation Scholarship — Open to 2SLGBTQ+ secondary and post-secondary students across Canada.

Jeremy Dias Scholarship — Open to youth across Canada who have taken initiative in addressing discrimination towards 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in their school or community.

Diversity Scholarship — Open to post-secondary students across Canada.

Foundation for Hope | Charity Grant — Provides grants and funding to organizations and charities that provide LGBTQ+ programs and services.

Resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs

Whether you’re a current small business owner in need of additional support or an entrepreneur looking to grow a great idea, there are resources to help. From inspiring stories of successful queer-owned business to potential funding options, there’s something to help your business flourish.

UBC Success Stories | Six Organizations Supporting the LGBTQIA2+ Community — Discover how six queer-friendly businesses are making a difference.

Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) — Get guidance on the right resources to help small business owners and entrepreneurs find success.

Inclusive workplace and education

Check out these tips and resources to create inclusive workplaces. From advice for students on setting boundaries at work to a glossary of queer terms for supportive allies, being informed goes a long way toward creating an equitable, safe and open environment both at work and in your day-to-day life.

Career Resources for LGBTQ+ Students — Advice on how to identify and set boundaries in the office, approach transitioning in the office or come out to an employer.

Egale Workplace Inclusion Workshop — Provides 2SLGBTQI inclusion workshops, consultations and more for private, public and non-profit sector organizations.

QMUNITY Education and Training — Access education programs to help educate employers and create more inclusive workplaces.

InnovateBC — Tools and resources to support inclusive hiring practices within the Canadian tech industry.

B.C. Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT) Resources — BCCWITT is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive trades industry. Discover resources, networking opportunities and support groups for 2SLGBTQIA+ skilled trades workers and ally industry representatives.

Pride at Work — Education programs for employers to support the creation of inclusive workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation.

TransFocus Consulting — Live and self-paced education services provided by experts to support company development and application of gender diversity.

Ambit Gender Diversity Consulting — Policy analysis, strategic visioning, website and communications review and training to improve accessibility and inclusivity for gender diverse employees.

Dignity Network Canada — The Canadian hub for communication and knowledge-sharing on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) human rights issues. From conferences to public education campaigns, the network supports domestic and international advocacy efforts.

Inclusive language

As terms evolve and adapt to our ever-changing society (as all language does), these tools can help you stay up to date. Using inclusive language when you communicate with others demonstrates compassion and respect.

Gender-Neutral Language Sheet — A printable resource sheet and corresponding cards that can be used as a quick reference guide.

Queer Glossary: A to Q Terminology — A comprehensive dictionary of queer terminology.

Pronoun Usage Guide — Online and printable quick guide for pronoun usage.  

Inclusive and Affirming Language Tips — Information sheet on using inclusive and affirming language in your day-to-day life.

The law and your rights

The British Columbia Human Rights Code protects people from discrimination based on certain parts of their identities, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. If you or someone you know has been impacted by discrimination, there are resources to help.

Trans Rights BC — Provides human rights information for trans and gender-diverse individuals and their supportive allies across B.C.

Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre — Low-barrier wellness and legal services for Two-Spirit, transgender or gender-nonconforming individuals.

Legal Aid BC — Legal information, advice and representation for individuals with low incomes.

British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal — Learn more about your rights, including how to file a complaint.

How to update or request a new ID — Gender-diverse individuals have the option to update their gender designation (displayed as “Sex”) on their identification, like your B.C. driver’s license. British Columbians are no longer required to undergo gender reassignment before doing so, and there is now a third option (displayed as “X”) to choose.

Know Your Rights as a Job Applicant — All workers in B.C. are protected by provincial and federal regulations. Learn more about additional legal protection and resources available to you.

Networking and community building

These events, programs, organizations and business networks can help queer employees and professionals thrive in their communities with the support of inclusive networks.

QueerTech — A non-profit organization that strives to foster community, create space and break down barriers within the tech industry. From workshops to mentorship opportunities, QueerTech helps their members achieve personal and professional advancement.

LOUD Business Network | Vancouver — Uniting the LGBTQ+ business community in Vancouver and the surrounding mainland area.

Lezervations Networking Events | Vancouver and more — Networking events for queer women in Vancouver and the surrounding regions.

Sher Vancouver — Provides educational outreach, peer support and counselling, legal resources and more to the queer South Asian community in Vancouver.

I Belong Program | Vancouver, Virtual — Designed to help LGBTQIA+ refugees or newcomers, regardless of immigration status, navigate a new country and language. From peer support groups to clinical counselling sessions, there are options available based on your needs or comfort level.