The Back to Our Roots sub-population report brings forward the lived realities of Black Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals across Canada, revealing deeply rooted systemic barriers and overlooked needs within this community. Based on 2024 data from 400 respondents, the report highlights inequities in housing, healthcare, education, employment, and safety, illustrating how anti-Black racism, transphobia, and queerphobia intersect to shape everyday life for Black trans and non-binary people.

Key findings reveal that Black trans and non-binary individuals are:

• 16% less likely to own homes, facing barriers in accessing financial stability.

• Experiencing higher rates of homophobia and transphobia within education systems.

• 12% less likely to have primary healthcare providers, and more likely to report providers lacking gender and sexuality competency.

• Facing significantly higher rates of racial and gender-based violence, including psychological and physical abuse.

Despite these challenges, the report highlights the community's resilience, with 78% pursuing education beyond high school and many continuing to build affirming spaces of survival and resistance.

This report calls on policymakers, funders, and community leaders to take targeted, intentional action, centering the needs of Black trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people in Canada. Real inclusion and equity demand addressing the compounded impacts of anti-Black racism and transphobia, ensuring that these communities have access to culturally competent care, safe housing, education, and dignified employment opportunities.

Back to Our Roots is more than data; it is a call for systems change rooted in the leadership, voices, and lived experiences of Black trans and non-binary people across Canada.