Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions surrounding 2SLGBTQIA+ terms and concepts.
What does 2SLGBTQIA+ stand for?
2SLGBTQIA+ stands for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, asexual, and the plus represents the many diverse identities that belong to the community. To learn more check out the Rainbow Health Glossary linked below.
Why 2S first?
2S was moved to the beginning of the acronym to acknowledge that Indigenous peoples were here long before settler ideas around identity and sexual orientation. It is also to honour the two-spirits of our community.
What is the difference between “Sex” and “Gender”
“Sex” refers to biological attributes of humans and animals, including physical features, chromosomes, gene expression, hormones and anatomy.
“Gender” refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, expressions and identities of people. It influences how people perceive themselves and each other, how they act and interact, and the distribution of power and resources in society. Gender identity is not confined to a binary (girl/woman, boy/man) nor is it static.
-Canadian Institute of Health and Research
What are pronouns?
You use pronouns everyday. Pronouns are words (or phrases) you substitute for nouns (a name) when the listener already knows who you are referring to.
For example: Yadid is a beautiful singer. They sang at our event last night.
How do I know what pronouns to use?
You ask! Everyone has their own unique identity and part of that is their pronouns (This includes cis gendered people to! They also have pronouns). It is best to ask an individual what their pronouns are versus assuming part of their identity. Some people use She, He, They, Zi, Xer, no pronouns, and more! To learn more check out our Pronoun Guide on our Resources page!
Why are people gay?
We believe that is it makes no difference if sexual orientation is something people are born with or choose. It should make no difference in the respect and proper treatment individuals deserve.
“There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles.” (American Psychological Association)
How does someone know they are LGBTQ?
There are many ways to to realize you are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Some people have “felt different” , have known they did not identify with their sex assigned at birth, felt attraction to the same sex and more from an early age. Others do not discover their sexual orientation or gender identity until they are adolescents or adults and people’s identity may change over time. Representation, societal views, culture, and more are parts of the complex pieces in which play a role in people discovering and identifying. Not accepting someone’s identity does not change it, it does however negatively affect their mental health and well-being.
Have 2SLGBTQIA+ people always existed? Are we all over the world?
YES! There are examples from every locality and time-period, from prehistoric rock paintings in South Africa and Egypt to ancient Indian medical texts and early Ottoman literature. Many societies have traditionally been open towards 2SLGBTQIA+ people, including several societies that have recognized a third gender including many Indigenous societies.
2SLGBTQIA+ people exist everywhere, in all countries, among all ethnic groups, at all socioeconomic levels and in all communities. Claims that same-sex attraction is strictly a Western practice are false. However, many of the criminal laws used today to punish 2SLGBTQIA+ people are Western in origin. (OIST, 2025)