Two-Spirit & Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Awareness Day
byThe Two-Spirit Program at Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) is leading the charge to name Thursday, March 20, 202 (the spring equinox) Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day in Canada.
“Last year, proclamations and activities were held in seven cities and communities,” said Martin Morberg, Two-Spirit Program Manager at CBRC. “We can’t wait to see what our relatives have planned for 2025. This day is vital for raising awareness and educating the public on Two-Spirit resurgence through demonstrations, proclamations, and community celebrations. We hope everyone will join us in recognizing the significance of this day.”
Conceived by First Nations Cree scholar and community organizer Harlan Pruden, and advocated for by members of the Two-Spirit community, Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day is an annual celebration of the radiance and diversity of Two-Spirit identities, expression and experience. Held in alignment with the spring equinox each year, the celebration is intended for all Two-Spirit and Indigenous queer and trans people, as well as allies, families, and friends.
Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day
To celebrate, the Two-Spirit Program at CBRC will host an afternoon of activities in Vancouver with an opening ceremony, speeches from community activists and city officials, and arts-based research activities and discussions.
- Dates: Friday, March 21, 2025 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm
- Location: The Birdhouse (44 W 4th Ave, Vancouver)
- Tickets:
Participants will engage in an afternoon of arts-based research activities and discussions, led by Elder Sheila Nyman, Jaylene McRae, and Evan Matchett-Wong from the Health Initiative for Men (HIM). The session will focus on deepening understanding of the unique needs of 2S/LGBTQIA+ survivors of gender-based violence. Participants will explore how art can serve as a tool for healing, with activities including painting, drawing, beading, and creating mood boards.
This workshop offers a safe, non-verbal space for individuals to express their gender identity and personal experiences—whether they are experienced artists or simply enjoy creative expression. It’s a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where everyone can explore and process their emotions at their own pace. Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals are encouraged to participate.
“The theme of our celebration is Access,” said Jaylene McRae, Two-Spirit Research Coordinator at CBRC. “Access is crucial for Two-Spirit and Indigenous queer and trans folks who continue to face significant health disparities driven by systemic racism, transphobia, homophobia, and discrimination. We deserve equitable access to healthcare, culture, and ceremony—resources too often denied due to colonial systems and their legacies. Our voices must be included in all Indigenous inquiries and calls to action.”
This year’s celebration will also focus on addressing gender-based violence—a critical issue that disproportionately impacts Two-Spirit and queer and trans Indigenous peoples.
To conclude the day, a Two-Spirit Dance Party (9:00pm to 2:00am) will be held, hosted by Jaylene Tyme and Ella Lamoreaux. Organized by Two-Spirit community activists and The Birdhouse Collective. Everyone is invited to join in, share, create, dance, and build solidarity.
Host Your Own Event
Community members and organizations are invited to host their own events in celebration of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ communities. These events can include rallies, public forums, gatherings, or media representation of the historical and contemporary roles Two-Spirit people play in Indigenous self-determination and community care. Find a helpful Social Media Toolkit online here to help spread the word. Community organizers are encouraged to share their events with the Two-Spirit team at CBRC.
