Ottawa, ON – NWAC is excited to announce the creation of a new LGBTQ2S+ Unit dedicated to expanding and enhancing its advocacy efforts for Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+, and gender-diverse Indigenous people.
As a group that exists at the intersections of queer and/or transphobia as well as colonial racism, members of the Indigenous LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit communities are disproportionately impacted by violence. Marginalization dramatically decreases the availability and the accessibility of supports and services, meaning Indigenous people who live within these marginalized groups face additional obstacles to accessing basic services.
For these reasons, NWAC is working purposefully towards filling the remaining gaps in our services and advocacy in order to better reflect the strength and diversity of our communities. Part of these efforts led to the creation of a LGBTQ2S+ Unit, focusing on education, outreach, and policy development.
NWAC’s LGBTQ2S+ Unit is committed to repairing and strengthening relationships with community members and organizations already engaged with this work. To begin this process, we have created two new positions in education and policy. If you have any questions, concerns, or want to share your thoughts on the new Unit’s direction, please feel free to contact:
RJ Jones – LGBTQ2S+ Educator – rjjones@nwac.ca – (343) 997-7626 Kim Wakeford – LGBTQ2S+ Policy Advisor – kwakeford@nwac.ca – (613) 410-1501
The Unit is launching a survey to gather anonymous preliminary information on specific needs and barriers faced by Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Indigenous women and non-binary people. This information will guide the Unit’s future activities and shape policy, education, and language priorities.
Access the survey here: https://s.surveyplanet.com/QDbEd0Mle
If you or someone you know would like to fill out the survey, but do not have regular access to the Internet, please let us know and we will mail you a hard copy.
