Every day, Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities face discrimination, persecution, and violence. Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities helps build a safer, equitable and inclusive Canada.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $1.5 million for Fierté Canada Pride to administer funding to support security needs for Pride festivals this season. This funding will help offset rising security and insurance costs for events across the country, amid rising levels of 2SLGBTQI+ hate. These costs could include additional security resources and training to increase the capacity of volunteers and community members.
In addition to security funding for Pride festivals, Budget 2024 also proposed $12 million over five years for projects to combat hate against the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. To confront hate in all its forms, including hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, the Government of Canada will implement programs and initiatives through Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate.
Minister Ien also launched Pride Season at a flag raising ceremony in Ottawa. Building upon work to address disparities and barriers to equality faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, the beginning of Pride Season is an important time to recommit to working towards ensuring better social and economic outcomes for all Canadians.
Almost two years ago, the Government of Canada launched the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, which aims to advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada. The Action Plan is creating a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, for present and future generations. While the work is ongoing, the Government of Canada continues to engage leaders, community members, experts and advocates to respond to the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Women and Gender Equality Canada also recently completed a call for proposals, which could provide up to $25 million for community-informed projects that will address barriers to equality.
