Government of Yukon advances 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion

Press Release

March 6, 2025

Four years into the implementation of the LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan, the Government of Yukon is continuing to advance its progress on inclusion and equity for all 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners and is continuing to provide funding to the Queer Yukon Society.

Budget 2025–26 includes $375,000 in operational funding for the Queer Yukon Society, subject to legislative approval.

87 items under the LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan are either complete, in process or a continual process.

With support from the Government of Yukon, the Queer Yukon Society has been able to substantially expand their programming. Queer Yukon has established offices and space for community programming in Dawson, Watson Lake and Whitehorse, with connections to community leaders in Faro, Mayo, Haines Junction and Old Crow. The Cache in downtown Whitehorse offers a public drop-in space to access programs and supports, which also enhances diversion of services away from 405 Alexander and contributes to improving downtown safety.

I hold my hands up to Queer Yukon and all organizations that continue to support 2SLBGTQIA+ Yukoners – especially as we see the rights of this community challenged across the continent. The Yukon is proud of the work that has been done under the action plan. We will continue to work towards creating an inclusive society where everyone feels safe and respected.

Minister of Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean

The Queer Yukon Board of Directors, staff and Queer Yukon community are excited to see continued progress on the implementation of the LGBTQ2S+ Plan and the ongoing commitment to funding Queer Yukon. This support is a testament to the importance of safe, inclusive spaces and essential services for 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners. We remain eager about the future and look forward to continuing our work in building a more equitable and welcoming Yukon for all.

Queer Yukon Society Board of Directors

Quick facts

2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians are disproportionately more likely to describe their mental health as poor, experience homelessness, experience health challenges and earn lower incomes.
Funding for Queer Yukon Society included as part of Budget 2025–26 is subject to legislative approval.
The LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan was released in July 2021, following a comprehensive public engagement in 2018–19 led by QMUNITY and supported by Yukon 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations.
The action plan includes more than 100 items under nine themes including health care, education and youth, community and culture, tourism, inclusive governance, Yukon government as an employer, public facilities, gender data and accountability.
Each department involved in the action plan created their own actions and committed to completing them within the five-year timeline. The Women and Gender Equity Directorate coordinates the plan and helps to ensure implementation remains on track.
The Government of Yukon now uses the acronym 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual and others). However, LGBTQ2S+ will continue to be used when referring to the Inclusion Action Plan.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Odile Nelson
Communications, Women and Gender Equity Directorate
867-334-8235
odile.nelson@yukon.ca

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