The Manitoba government has announced a $1.6 million investment in support for Two-Spirit and transgender Manitobans, coinciding with the inaugural official Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility. The announcement at a celebration held at the Legislative Building on March 31 marks a significant step towards recognizing and affirming the rights and well-being of gender-diverse individuals in Manitoba.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, also responsible for women and gender equity, emphasized the importance of visibility, stating, “We’ve heard directly from two-spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender diverse Manitobans about why visibility is truly lifesaving. Two-spirit, queer, trans and gender-diverse peoples, who are choosing to live authentically and joyfully in a world that too often meets them with ignorance, transphobia and homophobia, deserve to be seen and celebrated, today and every day.”
The investment includes $150,000 to support 2Spirit Manitoba Inc. through the Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat and the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag provincial strategy. Additionally, the government will maintain $473,000 in ongoing funding for Shared Health’s Gender Diversity and Affirming Action for Youth program and $1.03 million for Trans Health Klinic.
Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara highlighted the necessity of gender-affirming care, saying, “Affirming and supporting the gender identity of Manitobans is part of essential medical care. Today, our government is demonstrating our commitment to the queer and trans community by making investments to improve gender-affirming health care in Manitoba. We’re sending a message to queer and trans Manitobans: your lives are beautiful and valued.”
Dr. Alex Wilson, chair of the board of directors at 2Spirit Manitoba Inc., hailed the day as historic, stating, “Today marks an historic moment for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Manitobans. Visibility is more than just recognition – it is affirmation, safety and a step toward reconciliation and true equity. This funding will help us continue our vital work in advocacy, education and community building so that every two-spirit and gender-diverse person can thrive in their identity with pride and dignity.”
The official recognition of March 31 as Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility in Manitoba follows the passage of Bill 208 last year, solidifying a day that has been unofficially observed within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for years. This formal recognition and the substantial financial investment signal a commitment from the Manitoba government to support and uplift its Two-Spirit and transgender residents.
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