2SLGBTQIA+ Resources

At UHN, we use 2SLGBTQIA+ to reference any and all gender-, sex- and orientation-based identities. This term includes, but is not limited to:

Two-Spirit (2S)
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Queer
Questioning
Intersex
Asexual
Pansexual
Gender non-conforming

The plus sign at the end of the acronym acknowledges the many sexual and gender minority people who do not see themselves in the umbrella acronym and prefer other identity terms.

We place '2S' at the beginning of the umbrella acronym to acknowledge that Two-Spirit Indigenous people were the first sexual and gender minority people in North America, and also to demonstrate solidarity with them towards truth and reconciliation in Canada.

We recognize this is not an exhaustive list. All gender-, sex- or orientation-based identities must be respected and are included. It is always important to remember that individuals identify themselves in different ways using different terms, some that may be unfamiliar or emerging.

UHN’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Steering committee works to promote and foster respect for the voices, interests, and issues of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities that provide or use UHN services by networking and advocating for inclusion at UHN and in the community.

The committee supports UHN's ongoing efforts to create service, work, and learning environments that are accessible, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming by challenging discrimination against gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

The committee’s mandate has five parts:

• To promote the voices of, and become a resource, reference and networking point for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities providing and receiving service at UHN.
• To ensure that UHN's equity policies are informed by the life experiences of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
• To support UHN's ongoing efforts to create welcoming, accessible, inclusive, safe, respectful service, work and learning environments that challenge discrimination including but not limited to homophobia and transphobia.
• To assist UHN in demonstrating its commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity through engagement and attendance at forums or events such as Pride

For more information about the committee please contact LGBTQ2S@uhn.ca

Creating a Safer, Inclusive Environment
The 519 Creating Authentic Spaces toolkit serves as a guide toward creating spaces that are free from discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression for those who identify as trans and gender non-conforming. Download the toolkit here.

Become an Effective Trans Ally
Being an ally is important it lets everyone around you know that you are supportive and attentive to the needs of others. Being an ally demonstrates that you want to help change the world for marginalized communities even if you are not necessarily part of a particular group. Learn more about how to be an effective Trans Ally by clicking here and here.

Pronouns are terms that are used to refer to yourself and others. They can also be used in place of a name.

Most people are familiar with the pronouns she/her, he/his and they/them however, there are other pronouns such as ze/zir, ve/vis, yo/yo.

It is important to know that some individuals may use more than one set of pronouns while others may use different pronouns in different situations. A person’s pronouns might also change over time. Some people may not to use pronouns at all and prefer to use names.

Do not make assumptions about a person’s pronouns. Ask them or use their name instead.

Why are pronouns important?
Using someone’s pronouns correctly validates their identity and is a sign of respect. In addition, by sharing your pronouns with someone, you are signalling to them that you are interested in this information and willing to use the pronouns they use. However, never require someone to share their pronouns. Some people may not feel comfortable sharing their pronouns, and that’s OK. Avoid using any pronouns for the individual and use the person’s name instead.

How do I ask someone what pronouns they use?
You can simply ask:

• My name is Janet and my pronouns are she/her. What pronouns do you use?
• How would you like me to refer to you?

Depending on the setting it might be better to ask them privately.

Be sure you ask everyone to share their pronouns. You can’t tell a person’s pronouns by how they look.

Other ways to encourage sharing pronouns include:

• If you are in a group setting you can invite people to share their pronouns during introductions.
• If you are in an environment that uses name tags you may encourage people to include their pronouns on their name tags or use pins with their pronouns.
• You can also encourage people to add their pronouns to their email signature.

What if I get someone’s pronouns wrong?
Apologize, use the right pronouns and continue with your dialog. It is best not to over-apologize as this draws unwanted attention and can make the person feel more uncomfortable or obligated to accept your apology.

What if I hear someone using the wrong pronouns for another individual?
If you hear someone use the wrong pronouns for another individual, you can simply give them a gentle reminder that they use a certain set of pronouns. For example, Jackie uses the pronouns he/him. However, it is important to remember that some individuals may use different pronouns in different situations so if you are unsure, it is best to ask.

Many people often use a chosen name that is different from their legal name. For some people this is not a preference; it is a chosen name that is central to their identity.

Names are an important part of our identity. Mispronouncing or misusing someone’s name can make them feel disrespected and dismissed. Research shows that when transgender youth are referred to using their chosen name, it affirms their gender identity and influences mental health (Youth Soc. 2019).

Using someone’s chosen name affirms their identity, helps to promote a sense of belonging and signals that you are supportive.

For more information, please contact edi@uhnresearch.ca.