Creating safe, respectful, and affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is part of providing quality care every day of the year. Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate, learn, and reflect, but meaningful inclusion goes beyond one month a year.
This page brings together local and national resources to support health providers, teams, and care environments across Manitoba. Whether you’re looking for ways to make your space more welcoming, build your knowledge and confidence, or connect patients and clients with trusted supports, these tools are here to help.
Small actions, such as using inclusive language, displaying visible signs of support, or learning more about gender diversity can make a meaningful difference in how safe and seen someone feels when accessing care.
Building Inclusive Care Practices
Providing affirming care means continuing to learn, reflect, and adapt. These resources can help strengthen your knowledge and confidence in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ patients and communities.
General 2SLGBTQIA+ health care:
- Canadian Medical Association – Understanding inclusive care in Canada
- Two-Spirit Manitoba – Community-informed perspectives and supports
- University of Manitoba – 2SLGBTQ health research guides
- Research on inclusive clinical spaces in Winnipeg
- Affirmative intersex health communication guidance (Rainbow Health Ontario)
- Intersex rights in Canada (Egale Canada literature review)
Trans and Gender-Diverse Care
Affirming care for trans and gender-diverse individuals can significantly improve access, trust, and health outcomes.
Explore:
- We Are Allies – Resources for families, providers, and allies
- Trans PULSE Canada – National data on trans and non-binary health
- Training videos on affirming and non-affirming care experiences
- Public health webinars on advancing transgender health equity
2SLGBTQQIA+ Elders
2SLGBTQIA+ older adults may face unique barriers in care, particularly in long-term care and end-of-life settings. Inclusive, respectful approaches are essential.
Learn more:
- Egale Canada – Dementia and aging resources
- Queer-inclusive palliative care guidance (Champlain Hospice Program, Marie Curie)
- LIFE Elder Care training video on creating welcoming care environments for LGBTQ+ seniors
- Research on experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults in long-term care
Understanding Pronouns and Gender Identity
Using the correct name and pronouns is a simple but powerful way to show respect and affirm identity. Using the wrong pronoun can feel invalidating or harmful. Getting it right helps create a space where people feel seen, respected, and safe.
Common pronouns:
- She / her / hers
- He / him / his
- They / them / theirs
- Other pronouns (e.g., ze/zir) or using a person’s name
Pronoun Usage GuideFor more information visit: Pronoun Usage Guide (Egale Canada)
Gender identity and expression:
- Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of who they are anywhere along the gender spectrum
- Gender expression is how a person publicly expresses or presents their gender through appearance, behaviour, and voice
Simple ways to support inclusion: Inclusive care starts with everyday interactions.
These actions help normalize inclusive practices and build safer, more welcoming care environments for everyone.
- Ask respectfully: “What pronouns do you use?”
- Introduce yourself with your pronouns. This helps normalize the practice.
- Correct mistakes briefly and move forward
- Add your pronouns to email signatures and name badges
For more information visit: Understanding Gender Identities: FAQ & Supportive Resources
Community Resources in Winnipeg
Connecting patients and families to trusted local people, spaces, and businesses making Winnipeg safer, braver, and more joyful for our queer and trans community.
- A hub for queer and trans life—offering counselling, social groups (from youth to 55+), family support, and educational tools
- 📍 545 Broadway
- This harm reduction space offers meals, healthcare navigation, and “Like That” drop-ins specifically for LGBTQ2+ folks.
- CURRENT HOURS: Sunday – Thursday, 11:00am – 4:00pm | Monday & Wednesday, 6:00pm-9:00pm
- 📍 646 Logan Ave
- Yes, there’s a parade—but there’s also advocacy, community arts, QTBIPOC projects, and year-round action for equity.
Sexuality Education Resource Centre
- A community-based, non-profit organization focused on promoting sexual health through inclusive, non-judgmental education. They offer workshops, programs, 2SLGBTQIA+ support and free resources.
- 📍 167 Sherbrook Street
- Affirming medical care, hormone access, and mental health support—without judgment.
- 📍 870 Portage Ave
- A safe pathway for trans youth (under 18) to access care at HSC.
Additional directories:
- Queer-owned businesses (Downtown Winnipeg BIZ)
- Community organizations and support groups (Winnipeg Public Library)
Crisis support (24/7):
- Klinic Crisis Line: 204-786-8686
- Manitoba Suicide Line: 1-877-435-7170
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Disclosure: Shared Health is not responsible for the content of these websites and their resources.