2SLGBTQIA+ rights on paper and in real life

We often talk about 2SLGBTQIA+ equality in terms of legal rights, acceptance, and dignity.  But rights on paper do not always guarantee freedom in real life.

Economic resilience is one of the foundations that allows rights to be lived, not just promised.

At the individual level, an economically resilient person is someone who has enough financial strength, opportunity, and support to meet their basic needs consistently.  Someone who is economically resilient can recover from setbacks such as job loss, illness, discrimination, or displacement.  They can also make choices that protect their safety and pursue well-being rather than living in constant crisis.

A simple fact – legal rights are not static.  

For decades, social justice movements have focused on recognition, rights, and equality.   Over the last few years, a number of developments have served as stark reminders that rights do not always move forward.

In Canada, the Human Rights Code clearly protects 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals from discrimination, and marriage equality is federally recognized.  However, we cannot ignore provincial changes which restrict gender affirming care or the removal of 2SLGBTQIA+ representation from school libraries.

According to Amnesty International, there are 64 countries around the world with laws that criminalize homosexuality.  In some countries, rollbacks in (already limited) LGBTQ rights have also seen the addition of severe penalties such as imprisonment or death.

With support and funding related to diversity, equity, and inclusion appearing to decrease globally, organizations who work in this space must think strategically on where to invest limited resources.

Economic resilience is a critical but often overlooked dimension of 2SLGBTQIA+ equality.   It not only gives individuals the material stability to remain safe, healthy, and free – it can also help people preserve security, mobility, and agency when legal protections weaken.

In practical terms, when faced with discrimination in employment, housing, family support, or health care, economic resilience can facilitate the ability to pursue alternatives, leave unsafe workplaces or communities, and so much more.

What does an Economic Resiliency to Rights approach look like?

Rights protections matter deeply, but economic resilience can provide an additional layer of protection when rights are fragile, uneven, or under attack.

An economic resiliency approach emphasizes skills, education, and workforce access.  Programs consider community needs, local resources, and local markets and can look like developing entrepreneurship, business coaching, as well as financial and wealth building literacy.

The best programs also include working directly with local employers to address policies and informal workplace practices which present barriers for 2SLGBQIA+ employees. These programs also recognize that social support systems are critical and work towards building community resources which can help keep 2SLGBQIA+ people in the labour market.

Inclusion is not complete if people remain economically vulnerable.  

As Canadians who value equality, it is time to expand the discussion beyond defending 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and build a movement towards economic resilience.

During this Pride month, let’s think about how we define not only dignity, acceptance, and rights – but also identify what is really needed for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to live happy, healthy, and free.

In short, if we truly care about 2SLGBTQIA+ freedom, we must also value the economic conditions that make freedom real.

Nicolas Moyer, CEO of Cuso International