Statement from Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate McLean on proclamation of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day in the Yukon

Minister Jeanie McLean has issued the following statement:

“I was proud to join members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies today in Whitehorse for the proclamation of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ Awareness to Celebration Day (Two-Spirit Day) and the raising of the Two-Spirit flag outside the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Yukon is one of the first provincial/territorial jurisdictions in Canada to recognize the spring equinox as Two-Spirit Day.

“Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ identities, expressions and experiences have always existed. However, colonial violence both historical and ongoing has had enormous negative impacts on Two-Spirit+ and Indigiqueer people. Recognizing and honouring their identities is a step towards healing. I lift my hands up to those Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people in the Yukon and beyond who have advocated for this day.

“The fact that this day falls on the spring equinox is not by chance. Proclaiming a Two-Spirit Day on the spring equinox celebrates new beginnings and embraces positive change. I encourage all Yukoners to learn more about the experiences, expressions and identities of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer people and celebrate how their unique ways of being can enrich our society as a whole.

“This day is also a small way for our government to honour the commitment we have made in the Inclusion Action Plan to work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to ensure they can enjoy equal rights, representation and access to services. Implementation of the Inclusion Action Plan is also a milestone commitment in Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice: Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People Strategy.”