News Release
October 15, 2024

Today, the City of Toronto presented its first coordinated initiative to improve health and social outcomes for gender-diverse youth in Toronto to the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee.

The Access Plan for Two-Spirit, Trans and Non-Binary Youth aims to reduce barriers to City services and programs for gender-diverse youth aged 12 to 29.

The launch of the Access Plan marks a milestone for the City, demonstrating its commitment to safety and access for Two-Spirit, Trans and Non-Binary (2SNTB) Torontonians.

Research from Trans PULSE Canada and other health surveys show that trans and non-binary youth experience disparities across every major health and social indicator compared, including a greater risk of suicide. Many gender-diverse youth experience violence and rejection at home, and a significant number of these individuals avoid a range of community spaces for fear of harassment or harm.

Between 2024 and 2027, 56 commitments will be implemented across six areas including housing and employment, wellbeing supports, community safety interventions and gender-inclusive improvements to data practices.

Priority actions include enhancements to employment supports, training for City staff, gender-inclusive washroom and changeroom facilities, and access to housing development opportunities for organizations that serve 2STNB youth.

The Plan was informed by research into health and social challenges faced by 2STNB youth and comprehensive engagement with hundreds of Toronto’s diverse 2STNB youth, their advocates and community partners.

More information on the Access Plan is available on the City’s website.

Quotes:

“This plan shows the power of what can happen when we work together to make vital services, and vital health supports more accessible to people across our city. This is one way we continue to make Toronto a place where everyone belongs.”

– Mayor Olivia Chow

“The Two-Spirit, Trans and Non-Binary (2STNB) Youth Action Plan is a groundbreaking initiative and the first of its kind in North America that aims to improve health and social outcomes for gender diverse youth by undertaking 56 specific actions, 15 with Indigenous distinction, that will reduce barriers to city programs and services for 2STNB Youth across various intersections. We know that the gender diverse community in our city is only growing and we know that youth are more likely to identify as gender diverse than older populations and that makes this work all the more important. This new initiative will lead to long-lasting changes that address the specific needs of 2STNB youth in Toronto across various intersections and I am proud to see the work advanced.”

– Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations