Cartoon drawing of people marching in parade in pride colours.

2SLGBTQI+

Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex (2SLGBTQI+)

Listen to and provide a safe space for people who identify as 2SLGBTQI+.
Be open to learning more about the 2SLGBTQI+ movement by doing your own research.
Do not laugh when someone makes a joke about 2SLGBTQI+ people.
Speak up when people make a joke about 2SLGBTQI+ people and say it is not okay.
Do not use words like queer, fag, and gay to bully or hurt someone.
If you see someone bullying or being bullied, step in or tell someone to stop it.
Show support by wearing a pride button or other symbol on your jacket, backpack or pencil case.
If your school has a gay-straight-alliance (GSA) group, join it to show your support.
Look for 2SLGBTQI+ agencies or events where you can volunteer.

2SLGBTQI+ definitions

Coming out

One of the first steps is to come out to yourself.
The second step is to come out to other people.
Find people to help you before you come out.
There are people who are accepting and will support you.
Some people will need some time to accept and support you.
There could be people who do not support you at all.
You decide when you tell people when you are coming out.
You can watch how family and friends react to gay people or what they say to see what their reaction may be.
You have to do what is best for you.
You should know your risks and make sure you are safe when you come out.

Resources

Vaccines for MSM (men who have sex with men)

The risk of infection and genital warts is three times more likely in MSM. The risk of anal cancer is 20 times more for MSM.

Gardasil®9 is the HPV vaccine that is offered free to MSM up to 26 years of age.
It protects you from 9 types of HPV.
You can buy it at the sexual health clinic with a prescription from the clinic doctor or nurse practitioner.
You can buy it at a pharmacy with a prescription.
You can check with your health insurance to see if they will pay for it.

Is a vaccine that protects against the hepatitis A virus which can cause damage to your liver.
The vaccine can provide around 90 to 97 per cent protection against the virus.
The vaccine is recommended for anyone who is at risk of hepatitis A infection.
Talk to your health care provider for more information.

Is a vaccine that protects against the hepatitis B virus which can cause damage to you liver.
The vaccine is 95 to 100 per cent effective in preventing the infection in individuals who complete the vaccine series.
The vaccine is recommended for anyone who is at risk of hepatitis B infection.
Talk to your health care provider for more information.