Illustration of four raised hands with different skin tones and heart symbols, representing diversity, inclusion, and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

2STGD+ Safety and Inclusion Action Plan

A continued commitment to inclusion

Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse people continue to experience higher rates of discrimination and systemic barriers.

The renewed plan strengthens our commitment to advancing a safer and more inclusive Vancouver for everyone. It aligns with Council's 2023–2026 Strategic Priorities and supports the Healthy City Strategy, Equity Framework, and Reconciliation Framework.

In February 2026, Council unanimously approved the renewed 2STGD+ Safety and Inclusion Action Plan and Framework.

The plan explains how we will work to improve equity, safety, and well-being for Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender diverse (2STGD+) people in Vancouver. It focuses on 5 areas:

Housing and homelessness: Increase inclusive, accessible housing and shelter options for 2STGD+ community members.
Community spaces and safety: Ensure public spaces are welcoming and accessible to 2STGD+ community members.
Programs and services: Expand programs tailored to diverse 2STGD+ needs.
Visibility and engagement: Strengthen representation of 2STGD+ community members in our communications and engagement processes.
Staff experience: Foster an inclusive, supportive workplace for 2STGD+ staff working at the City of Vancouver.

For more background, review the Council report from February 2026 about the 2STGD+ Safety and Inclusion Action Plan renewal. (405 KB)

Key actions completed to date
We worked with the community to create our first plan to support the 2STGD+ community in July 2016 (5.3 MB). Since then, we have:
- Updated the Vancouver Building By-law to require gender-neutral washrooms in new or renovated businesses in Vancouver.
- Opened the Aoki Ross House , a supportive housing project providing inclusive, safe, and culturally appropriate housing for 2STGD+ people.
- Installed "Gender diverse people welcome" washroom signage in City-run buildings.
- Applied 2STGD+ guidelines in the planning of all newly constructed or renovated City-owned buildings.
- Updated our grant priorities to reflect 2STGD+ inclusion.
- Provided 2STGD+ awareness training to more than 2,500 City of Vancouver staff.
How the plan was developed

The 2026 plan was shaped through thoughtful engagement with 2STGD+ community members, organizations, and stakeholders. This included engagement across our departments, input from City Advisory Committees, and partner agencies such as the Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, Vancouver School Board, and Vancouver Public Library.

Timeline

July 2016

We adopted our first plan to support the 2STGD+ community.
November 2023

Council voted to renew the 2STGD+ plan with a focus on safety and inclusion.
2024 and 2025

Staff reviewed the 2016 plan, engaged with 2STGD+ community members to develop priority areas, and conducted public consultation on the draft actions in July and August 2025.
February 2026

Council approved the renewed 2STGD+ Safety and Inclusion Action Plan.
2026

Staff are working to advance the 2026 actions.
We are here

Queer Inclusion

Learn more about recreation programs and services for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our city.

City Hall weddings

Get details on booking a micro-wedding at Vancouver City Hall.

2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee

Supports Vancouver’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual and queer communities.

2SLGBTQIA+ community

We actively support Vancouver's lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, queer, and Two-Spirit communities.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion

We are working hard to ensure our activities support fairness, equality, and access for all.

Healthy City Strategy

The Healthy City Strategy a long-term, integrated plan for healthier people, places, and planet.

What's new at City facilities

Gender neutral washroom sign

Washroom signage

Many trans, gender diverse, and Two-Spirit individuals face incredibly damaging forms of discrimination and barriers to access basic forms of human needs.

In March 2017, washroom signage in City Hall was changed to state, "Trans People Welcome." Signs are being applied in other City-owned buildings with varying designs for multi-stall washrooms and universal single-use washrooms.

Each person self-determines which facility is most appropriate for them based on their gender identity.

What's new at Park Board facilities

Left to right: Josie Pearce and Ben Keane-O'Hara

Left to right: Josie Pearce and Ben Keane-O’Hara

Creating welcoming services for all

The Park Board has staff dedicated to Trans, Gender Diverse, and Two-Spirit Inclusion.

The Park Board has begun installing universal and gender neutral washroom signage at Park Board facilities, trans swim at Templeton Pool, trans self-defence classes, and trans awareness campaigns at all facilities.

Learn about the Park Board's actions

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