NS is preparing an action plan to help the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

The Government of Nova Scotia is creating an action plan to address the needs and concerns of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The Office for Equality and Anti-Racism has launched a public engagement to develop a plan that is part of the Equality and Anti-Racism Strategy published in July 2023.

“There is no place for hatred and injustice in our province. As leaders on these issues, it is important that we start by asking how we can better serve all Nova Scotians,” said Barbara Adams, minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.

“By listening and speaking directly to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we can make government policies and programs more inclusive and improve people’s lives.”

Community organizations will conduct engagement sessions with the people they serve, according to a Friday news release from the province.

The engagement will also include an online survey to collect ideas, demographics and information about experiences with government programs and services, and the office will host three virtual open sessions to the “broader rainbow community.”

“When 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees come to Canada fleeing violence and persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and gender characteristics, they deserve to come to a province that respects, celebrates and protects them,” said Rhiannon Makohoniuk, executive director of Rainbows Nova Scotia Refugee Association.

“This 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan, part of the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy, demonstrates a needed commitment to ensuring Nova Scotia’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community feels heard, represented and supported.”

The provincial government says the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has experienced a disturbing increase in hate acts since 2019 and has identified other issues that need to be addressed, including service gaps and barriers to accessing health, employment and justice services and opportunities.

Community involvement is expected to continue through August.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.