Manitoba Government Investing in Health Care for Two-Spirit and Transgender Manitobans

Press Release

March 31, 2025

On the first official Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility in the province, the Manitoba government is investing $1.6 million in supports for two-spirit and transgender Manitobans, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced during a celebration at the Legislative Building today.

“We’ve heard directly from two-spirit, transgender, non-binary and gender diverse Manitobans about why visibility is truly lifesaving,” said Fontaine. “Two-spirit, queer, trans and gender-diverse peoples, who are choosing to live authentically and joyfully in a world that too often meets them with ignorance, transphobia and homophobia, deserve to be seen and celebrated, today and every day.”

The province is investing $150,000 to support 2Spirit Manitoba Inc. through the Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat and the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag provincial strategy. The Manitoba government will also continue to provide $473,000 in ongoing funding to Shared Health’s Gender Diversity and Affirming Action for Youth program and $1.03 million to Trans Health Klinic.

“Affirming and supporting the gender identity of Manitobans is part of essential medical care,” said Asagwara. “Today, our government is demonstrating our commitment to the queer and trans community by making investments to improve gender-affirming health care in Manitoba. We’re sending a message to queer and trans Manitobans: your lives are beautiful and valued.”

“Today marks an historic moment for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Manitobans,” said Dr. Alex Wilson, chair of the board of directors, 2Spirit Manitoba Inc. “Visibility is more than just recognition – it is affirmation, safety and a step toward reconciliation and true equity. This funding will help us continue our vital work in advocacy, education and community building so that every two-spirit and gender-diverse person can thrive in their identity with pride and dignity.”

While International Day of Transgender Visibility has been unofficially marked in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for years, March 31 is the first official Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility in Manitoba with the passage of Bill 208 last year.

The transgender flag will also be flown today at Memorial Park.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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