The Province of Nova Scotia has launched an initiative to address the needs and concerns of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as part of its Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy introduced in July 2023. The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism has begun public engagement to develop the action plan.
Barbara Adams, the Minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and addressing hate and inequity.
“Hate and inequity have no place in our province. As leaders in addressing these issues, it is important that we start by asking how we can do a better job of serving all Nova Scotians,” said Adams. “By listening and going directly to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we can make government policies and programs more inclusive and improve people’s lives.”
Community organizations will spearhead engagement sessions with the individuals they serve. The initiative also includes an online survey to gather ideas, demographic data, and information about experiences with government programs and services The survey is available at https://www.oeaengagement.ca/.
Additionally, the Office will host three virtual sessions open to the broader rainbow community.
Since 2019, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has faced a troubling rise in acts of hate and has highlighted other challenges, such as gaps in services and barriers to accessing health, employment, and justice services.
Rhiannon Makohoniuk, Executive Director of the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia, underscored the importance of the action plan for 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees.
“When 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees arrive in Canada, fleeing violence and persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, they deserve to arrive in a province that respects, celebrates and protects them. This 2SLGBTQIA+ action plan, as part of the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy, demonstrates a needed commitment to ensuring the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Nova Scotia feels heard, represented and supported,” said Makohoniuk.
Raelee Rath, Chair of the Truro Pride Society, expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for the initiative.
“Truro Pride Society is thrilled to have the opportunity to help make crucial services more accessible and safe for members of our local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This project will be instrumental in fulfilling our organization’s goal of improving the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Truro and Colchester County, by working to break down barriers that deter far too many individuals from receiving the services and supports they need,” Rath stated.
Dan MacKay, Secretary and past chair of the Elderberries Society of Atlantic Canada, highlighted the urgency of combating anti-trans hate.
“We have a big project ahead of us. It’s important to combat hate, always. At the moment, trans folk are the target south of our border, and anti-trans hate has infiltrated our country already. Having people come together to think about this threat and plan to act against it is critical at this point; having support from our government is massively helpful,” said MacKay.
Nova Scotia is set to be the first province to create a comprehensive plan for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, with engagement efforts expected to continue until August. The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism is leading this initiative in collaboration with community organizations and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed.