Purpose

The goal of this strategy is to better understand the gaps, needs, and concerns relating to the experience and safety of non-binary, trans and queer employees and students on campus, and to collaboratively find solutions and strategies to promote a safe, equitable and inclusive campus environment for these community members.

This strategy focuses on 2STNBGNC+: Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming and other gender-diverse identities and gender expressions, which may include but are not limited to gender-queer, gender-fluid, agender, and more^[1]. This strategy addresses the needs of all these groups under the umbrella term of non-binary and transgender identities.

Although this strategy centres on members of the trans and non-binary community, some parts of this document refer to the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community that includes gender identity and expression, sexual identity (orientation), and biological sex characteristics.^[2] Some issues supporting trans and non-binary students and employees are intersectional and affect other marginalized groups under the 2SLGBTQIA+ umbrella and need to be acknowledged.

In addition, some community members identify as both trans, non-binary, or gender non-conforming and queer. For many, these identities are inseparable. Therefore, the strategic recommendations support trans, non-binary, and queer (or 2STNBGNC+ and 2SLGBTQIA+) students and employees.

More information is needed about Two-Spirit (2S) community members and their lived experiences. Two-Spirit identities vary across Canada; they are fundamentally different from Western definitions in understanding a person's gender through the intersection of gender identity, gender expression and sexual identity/orientation.^[3] To avoid re-colonization and misinterpretation of Indigenous identities and lived experiences, Two-Spirit experiences need to be discussed separately. However, in this Strategy, Two-Spirit is considered a gender minority and part of the 2STNBGNC+ and 2SLGBTQIA+ groups.

^[1] Similar umbrella terms for gender-diverse identities and expressions might include 2STGNC+: Two-Spirit, transgender, gender non-conforming, and more. https://glaad.org/releases/oklahoma-2stgnc-groups-and-glaad-respond-to-nex-benedict-full-autopsy-report/

^[2] Sometimes referred as SOGIESC: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics. For example, see: https://rainbowresearchhub.up.edu.ph/resources/sexual-orientation-gender-identity-gender-expression-and-sex-characteristics-a-primer/

^[3] Harlan Pruden (nēhiyo/First Nations Cree) and Travis Salway. 2020. “What and who is Two-Spirit?” in Health Research. Gender and Health, Issue 2. https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/52214.html